Natural feed supplement provides dairy farmers with solution to hidden treat of Mycotoxins

Picture: Moulds in silage or other stored feedstuffs are an indication of a possible mycotoxins threat, but the problem can still manifest itself even in the absence of such visible signs, says Alltech's David Wilde.

Dairy farmers with concerns about mycotoxins in winter feedstuffs now have a new treatment option following the launch by Alltech of a mycotoxins-binding feed supplement in an easy-to-use farm pack format.

Mycosorb Farm Pak, which contains Alltech's patented yeast cell wall extract with broad-spectrum action over the range of commonly occurring mycotoxins, is recommended for use where symptoms of a mycotoxins presence are seen.

"Mycotoxins are increasingly being recognised as the hidden thieves in dairy production as they are often difficult to detect but their impact on herd performance can be significant," explains Alltech's ruminant technical manager David Wilde.

"Moulds or heating in forages or other moist feeds are an indication of a possible challenge, but mycotoxins can and often are present even if there are no visible signs. Symptoms are variable and can be quite spasmodic, but unexplained poor performance, yield drop, scouring, and failure to respond to veterinary treatment are amongst the common manifestations.

"Mycosorb is a natural yeast-based product that has the ability to bind mycotoxins in the gut and render them harmless to the animal. On dairy farms where mycotoxins have been identified, Mycosorb has in many cases achieved milk yield responses of around 1 litre/cow/day. Other observed benefits include better cow condition and improved dung consistency. Responses are normally seen in two to three weeks."

Mycosorb Farm Pak is available in 25kg bags and can either be incorporated into a total mixed ration or simply sprinkled onto the forage. It is recommended for feeding at 100g/cow/day for the first 7 days and at 50g/cow/day thereafter. Mycosorb can also be incorporated into compound feed.

Mycosorb Farm Pak extends Alltech's Farm Pak range, which also includes the live yeast culture Yea-Sacc1026 Farm Pak and the new Bioplex Farm Pak organic minerals series. Typical cost of feeding Mycosorb Farm Pak is just over 5p/cow/day.