Watch Out For Mold, Mycotoxin Problems In Feed A. Jud Heinrichs Dairy and Animal Science Extension This year’s growing conditions in Pennsylvania are setting us up for the right conditions to find in creased mold and mycotoxins in home grown feeds this year. Cool wet growing seasons that delay the harvest of crops, especially corn, will set up the right condi tions for mold and mycotoxin formation on crops while in the field. Fusarium toxins occur more often with cool wet growing conditions, while hot humid conditions favor the formation of aflatoxins in feeds and forages. Molds in general will increase as we wait for forage crops such as corn to dry down as a result of wet field conditions. Molds will not always contain dangerous com pounds, however they most often result in reduced feed intake and reduced digestibility of feeds and forages, which result in reduced production. The problems can be minimized if we reduce the amount of total molds that are fed in a single ration. While we cannot change the weather, be aware of the strong potential for problems, look for molds & DeLaval y ierman & Sons, Inc. Mark & David Wolfskin Farm, Robesonia, PA JB P.O Box 337, Bhn Bali, PA 17$M Ximmerman t&sons KKow** 23 DAIRY EQUIPMENT DIVISION to °* l 717-354-8030 Penn State and mold spores, do some testing if you suspect problems, and consider ration changes where possi ble. You may consider using mold inhibitors and mycotoxin binding compounds for your feeds. Also watch for feed bunk heating with this year’s forages. High levels of mold spores may result in TMRs that heat fast even in cold weather. This may require a mold inhibitor or change in feeding man agement to overcome this problem. We drive progress in milk product! MllkMaster,™ The world’s first totally integrated portable take-off unit and milk meter. Exclusively Designed For The Tie Stall Barn FEATURES • Built in Pulsator • Pre-Milking Stimulation • Automatic Milker Removal • Milker Kick Off Indicator • Milk Weight Readout • Light Weight, Easy to carry Universal 1 WEsnAovo* s A DeLaval on ©Germania
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