Discarding the Top of Moldy Silage Is Not Enough: The Invisible Threat of Mycotoxins
It is not possible to completely prevent mycotoxins, but it is possible to reduce their effects on the animal. This is where toxin binders come into play.
If you say, “I throw away the moldy part, the bottom is clean”
Throwing away the moldy top part of the silage and feeding the bottom part to the animals may not mean you have gotten rid of mycotoxins. You can see mold with your eyes, but you cannot see the mycotoxins produced by molds, nor can you tell by their smell. Removing the moldy part is a good practice, but it does not indicate that the rest of the feed is completely safe.
The risk is not limited to silage alone. Inappropriate moisture, temperature, and storage conditions in corn, barley, wheat, compound feeds, and other raw materials also increase the risk of mycotoxins.
What happens when mycotoxins reach the animal?
Depending on the type and amount of the toxin, the following problems may be observed:
- Decrease in feed intake
- Digestive problems
- Immunosuppression
- Decline in milk and live weight performance
- Oestrus and conception problems
Producers often see the performance loss, but may fail to notice the invisible reason behind it.
Of special importance for dairy farms
Some aflatoxins taken in with feed can pass into milk after being metabolized. Therefore, producing high-quality and safe milk begins at the feed trough, not in the milking parlor.
What is Dr. Derman Toxin Binder?
Dr. Derman Toxin Binder is a comprehensive product developed to support the management of mycotoxin risk in the ration.
Its formulation contains: bentonite, activated carbon, prebiotics, probiotics, Ca propionate, live yeast, vitamins, organic-inorganic minerals, and MOS.
This versatile structure helps reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins while contributing to the support of the digestive system, intestinal environment, and immunity. It also provides protective support against the sudden and severe poisoning risk that a high toxin load taken with feed may create.
Usage amounts
| Animal | Preventive use (daily per animal) |
| Dairy and beef cattle | 25–30 g |
| Sheep and goat | 2,5–3 g |
In cases where the mycotoxin load is high, the usage amount should be doubled.
Remember
Using a toxin binder does not mean that moldy and spoiled feed can be fed to the animal. Proper combat is the simultaneous implementation of the following elements:
- High-quality feed raw material
- Proper storage
- Good silage management
- An effective toxin control program
In livestock farming, you see some losses with your own eyes, while you can only see the results of others. If you want to protect your herd against the invisible mycotoxin risk, you can consider Dr. Derman Toxin Binder in your ration.
