Nearly 25% of the world’s crops are impacted by mycotoxins. These harmful compounds that are natural byproducts of certain molds, if unmitigated, can be felt throughout the entire food chain.
“The closer you are to animal agriculture, the more you realize the concern of mycotoxins and their costly impact on all facets of our food system,” said Scott Bascom, senior technical services manager - dairy, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, in a recent webinar. “In the U.S., where food is plentiful, we don’t often think about threats to our food supply, but mycotoxins are very prevalent and can take a huge toll on both economics and health if unabated.”
During his webinar, “Mycotoxins and Food Security: Looking Beyond the Impacts of Mycotoxins on Animal Agriculture,” Bascom shared that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that approximately 1 billion metric tons of food had to be destroyed in 2019 due to mycotoxin contamination.
In the U.S. and Canada alone, the American Phytopathological Society noted this created a $5 billion economic toll in lost crops. From an animal agriculture standpoint, in the U.S. alone, that equaled a $6 million feed loss in 2019, according to the USDA. To prevent or reduce the presence of mycotoxins, Bascom said that $466 million was spent globally according to USDA.
Reduce Molds in the Field
It’s a daunting problem, but Bascom said there are a number of measures farmers can take to reduce the occurrence of molds and potential for mycotoxins in their crops.
“Like any issue, prevention is more efficacious and cost-effective than mitigation,” Bascom said. “While delayed harvest and wet crop conditions are conducive to molds, which may in turn cause mycotoxins, farmers can reduce occurrence by seeking mold-resistant varieties, managing plant stressors, practicing tillage and being mindful of row widths and planting densities.”
In addition, row crop farmers also have a number of options to help treat mold once it takes hold in the field, including fungicides and biological control agents (such as microbials). It’s important to remove infected plants immediately to prevent the mold from spreading to healthy plants, he said.
Bascom also noted how important it is for farmers to harvest crops at the optimum stage of maturity to reduce the risk of mycotoxin production. They should also use proper drying and perseveration techniques while also limiting air exposure.
Proper Feed Management is Key
Because even the most vigilant of production and harvesting methods won’t entirely eliminate the risk of mycotoxins from entering animal feed supplies, Bascom said proper feed management is imperative for the health of livestock and humans alike.
Dennis Nuzback, consultant to Phibro Animal Health Corporation, shared tips for livestock producers in a webinar titled “Smart Strategies for Effective Mycotoxin Management.”
Nuzback provided insights on recognizing signs of potential mycotoxin contamination to livestock. If producers see noticeable changes in fecal consistencies or a decrease in animal performance, mycotoxins may be present. Additionally, it’s important to monitor changes in on-farm grain storage, grain suppliers, and the switch from feed supplies from the previous crop year to the current one.
“While it’s impossible to eliminate the threat of mycotoxin contamination entirely, producers can help minimize their impact by conducting regular, thorough reviews of their stored feedstuffs for the visual presence of molds,” Nuzback said. “The presence of mold does not mean that mycotoxins are present. Rather, it indicates a failure in the harvested crop or feed preservation protocols, that failure making it more likely that mycotoxin-producing molds are present and may have produced harmful mycotoxins.”
How Livestock Producers Can Take Action
Once present, it’s impossible to remove mycotoxins from contaminated grains or feed entirely, Nuzback explained. However, after confirming mycotoxins are present, producers should then reduce mycotoxin concentrations to those below biological impact and regulatory guidance.
First, if mold is detected and mycotoxins are suspected, collect representative samples of the suspect feed and send it to a credible lab for analysis (include yeast and mold count and mold ID).
Second, begin feeding an adsorbent as soon as mycotoxin suspicions arise and continue while awaiting lab results and for as long as necessary. Consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist for recommended feeding or inclusion rates, he said.
“Producers should seek a broad-spectrum binding agent and consider an economically priced mitigation agent. If the feed is pelleted, extend the criteria list to include improved pellet durability index,” Nuzback added. “While mycotoxins are almost unavoidable, with a little knowledge, vigilance and mitigation, producers can help safeguard animal health against the threats of mycotoxin contamination.”
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