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
&
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y ierman & Sons, Inc.
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JB P.O Box 337, Bhn Bali, PA 17$M
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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.
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