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The threat from mycotoxins has become an increasing cause for concern. Historically, ruminant animals have been thought less susceptible to the negative effects of mycotoxin ingestion from the point of view of modification of the mycotoxins by rumen microbes. Controlled experiments investigating susceptibility of ruminants to mycotoxins have invariably used individual compounds, in contrast to the practical, field situation where the reality is exposure to multiple mycotoxins simultaneously. Additionally, many mycotoxins are able to adversely modify the rumen environment by anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal activity. The ability to degrade and inactivate many mycotoxins varies with diet, health status and has a finite capacity. Essentially, the more contaminated the diet or the less healthy the animal the lower the capacity to deal with a mycotoxin challenge, resulting in some toxins escaping the rumen unaffected to be absorbed in the small intestine. The immediate culprits that spring to mind are deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA).
Often, signs of mycotoxin challenge are non-specific, such as reduced intake, feed conversion efficiency and performance and, therefore, not immediately associated with a mycotoxin problem and may continue to persist while other avenues are investigated.
Mycotoxins are produced by moulds, a number of which can result in rumen dysfunction, reduced feed intake, significant drops in milk output, infertility, and decreased immune response to diseases. When analysed, it is clear that mycotoxins are a common problem in forage and more often than not, multiple mycotoxins are present. These have a synergistic effect, meaning that the presence of one exaggerates the effect of another, increasing the overall risk to the dairy and beef animal.
Farmers may think that only those feeds showing visible evidence of mould growth contain mycotoxins. Unfortunately, this is not true. Mycotoxins will remain even after the moulds responsible for producing them have been removed and are often present even when no visible mould exists.
Mycotoxins compromise animal health and performance. Signs of mycotoxin challenge include reduced milk yield, poor growth, swollen joints, ‘dull’ appearance and lethargy. It’s important to note that many of the symptoms associated with mycotoxicosis are non-specific often meaning that a mycotoxin issue is ‘last in the queue’ when diagnosing.
Symptoms of mycotoxins on ruminant:
Author: Denis Dreux
Mycotoxins are responsible for numerous undiagnosed health issues in UK dairy and beef cattle, even when growing and harvesting conditions are reasonable. For the majority the result of mycotoxin presence is likely to be seen as a subtle problem; the symptoms will be many and varied, but the outcome in all cases will be reduced performance and lost profits.
This several parts blog will help identify risk areas on farm and enable you to take action which can be implemented rapidly to better manage an existing mycotoxin challenge and reduce the chance of further contamination.
Mycotoxins are low molecular weight, secondary metabolites produced by moulds that have been stressed by environmental and management factors, such as extremes of temperature, drought, flooding and harvesting technique. They are toxic to animals in low concentrations and exhibit strong physico-chemical resistance. One mould is capable of producing several mycotoxins and one mycotoxin may be produced by several different moulds.
There are three main mould groups of concern: Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium.
Fusarium moulds are of field origin i.e. they proliferate on the crop while it is still in the field. Storage moulds, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium develop, as the name suggests, during storage of the crop or grain. This includes storage during ensilage. While Aspergillus is less of an issue in the northern parts of Europe, levels of its associated mycotoxin, Aflatoxin, are regulated under EU law. In terms of negative effects on farm, the Fusarium and Penicillium mycotoxins are by far the most problematic in the UK and NI. As mycotoxins are very stable compounds that ‘survive’ on the crop/grain long after the initial mould has disappeared, the absence of mould does not necessarily mean the crop is ‘clean’ (the reverse situation also applies) and, although routine testing is carried out for mycotoxins, such as DON, producers utilising home-grown grain and conserved forage to feed animals on farm may be at increased risk of introducing a mycotoxin challenge to their animals.
Mycotoxins compromise animal health and performance. It’s important to note that many of the symptoms associated with mycotoxicosis are non-specific often meaning that a mycotoxin issue is ‘last in the queue’ when diagnosing. The main effect of many mycotoxins is impairment of the immune system. Animals that are immune-compromised will be a greater risk of pathology from other infectious and metabolic diseases simply as a result of their ‘weakened’ state. Other effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, feed intake depression and reproductive abnormalities. ZEA is often responsible for the latter. Cystic ovaries, irregular cycles and embryonic abnormalities all fall under the remit of ZEA. Probably one of the most important but underestimated effects is the antibiotic action of Penicillium mycotoxins. Patulin, PR toxin and Roquefortine C are all produced by Penicillium moulds and have the same action in the rumen as Penicillin does in the human body – antibiotic. It is true that ruminants are less susceptible to many mycotoxins compared with non-ruminants due to the ability of the rumen microbes to degrade them to less harmful compounds. However, if this ability becomes impaired by an antibiotic action, then the animal becomes increasingly susceptible to those mycotoxins. To this end, Penicillium mycotoxins are receiving increased attention.
Penicillium mycotoxins are described as ‘silage’ mycotoxins due to their presence in conserved forage (including silage, haylage and hay) and there are many factors that contribute to the level of contamination. As Penicillium is a storage mould, ‘stressors’ during harvesting and ensiling lead to proliferation of associated mycotoxins. Contamination avoidance is virtually impossible but following good silage management practices can go a long way to minimising the risk to livestock. Again, the variability in, and timing of, this year’s weather has done little to help the situation. One of the key points is the recognition and understanding of the mycotoxin problem. Part of this is recognition of the fact that the majority of exposure is to chronic, low concentrations of multiple mycotoxins and, as such, any interventions, including use of a mycotoxin binder, must be able to deal with a wide suite of mycotoxins at any one time. As mentioned previously, mycotoxins are often the last in the diagnostic queue and traditional analyses used for their detection often lacked sufficient sensitivity. Current analytical progress has seen the development of a highly sensitive and rapid system for detecting not only the presence but the level (down to ppq in some cases) of over 37 individual mycotoxins. This technology is validated and supersedes the traditional techniques for determining levels of contamination in various materials, including grains and forages.
In conclusion, mycotoxin contamination is unavoidable, however, negative effects can be minimised through knowledge and understanding of the threat they pose.
To keep your diet-feeder going when you have hungry mouths to feed, Michael Collins gives a few pre-winter tips.
In some areas, stock are housed full-time, with others still out by day. Whatever the case, here are a few tips to ensure your diet feeder stays going when you need it most.
Before any service work is conducted, the machine should be parked on level ground with either the handbrake applied or chocks put to the wheels. Also, the tractor should be turned off with its handbrake applied.
Hitch
Check the eye of the hitch for wear. If it’s badly worn, replace it. There is a lot of weight hanging on this point, especially when the feeder is full, with even more stress when the feeder is being filled. A bale or grab of silage falling from a height into the feeder can put a lot of stress on the machine. To prolong the life of the eye and hook, add some grease to lubricate the pivot as frequently as possible.
PTO and safety covers
The PTO should be greased regularly to prolong the universal joint’s life and the profile tubing should be lubricated also. Remember, these are working under a lot of pressure, often turning through tight angles around the yard. Most important of all. Check the PTO cover is fully intact with full safety covers over both ends. Chains should be attached to prevent the PTO cover spinning and catching in an unsuspecting passerby’s clothing. Any other safety covers on the machine should be fully intact and in place.
Hydraulic hoses and electric cables
Try grouping them together in such a way they are out of the swing of the tractor linkage arms. Check for damage or leaks and replace or repair if needed. Some farmers use a bungee-chord or elastic chord to raise them up from snagging in the tractor linkage arms – one less potential repair that’s preventable by spending a few euro.
Drive chains
If chains are left run too loose, they will slip on the sprockets they are driving. This will damage the chain and sprocket, costing a lot of money to repair. Chains should be tensioned as per the operator’s manual, with a small amount of slack to allow oil penetrate the links. Where fitted, the chain-oiler should be topped up with suitable oil that will lubricate the chain and keep it moist. Do not use hydraulic oil as a lubricant. If unsure, contact the manufacture.
Bearings
All bearing should be greased before the season starts as frequently as the operator’s manual recommends. Check all seals are intact and seated properly. Look out for iron filings. If visible, the bearings need to replaced. Do this when the machine is empty and before the bearing collapses completely. When fitted, ensure all bearing covers are intact as this prevents dirt and moisture ingress.
Gearboxes
These transmit the power from the tractor to the mixing mechanism so are naturally going to be under a lot of strain. Where fitted, it’s worth draining the oil every year as condensation can get in while the machine is parked up during the grazing period. Replenish with manufacturer’s recommended oil to the required level. Also check for any oil leaks which may result from a damaged or worn seal. Replace if leaking as a few euros could save the cost of a new gearbox if all the oil leaks out.
Tyres
Inspect tyres for cuts and damage. These are often overlooked and are travelling on hard concrete every day. Tyre pressures should also be checked before starting the season.
Knives
When looked after properly and replaced when worn, the knives in a diet feeder make a huge difference for a lot of reasons. The mix is chopped better and the feeder is easier to drive. Added to this is the reduced strain on both the tractor and machine. Where fitted, paddle rubbers should clean material away from the knife upon each rotation, maximising knife functionality. Replace or adjust if the knives are not being cleaned completely.
Hydraulic rams
Whether they are opening guillotine-doors or raising elevators, these should be given the once-over. Any seeping rams should be repaired as they will drain a surprising amount of oil from the tractor. Grease any ram ends and door guide-rails whenever doors begin to shudder or become slow to close.
Lights
For the time of the year when day length is shortening and diet feeders are working in dark sheds, all lights should be working. Spend a few minutes checking them and replace any blown bulbs. Diet feeders travelling between yards are especially vulnerable as quite often they are covered in dust and debris from filling, making them harder to see during the hours of darkness. Also, make sure the tractor’s lights are clean and working properly. Cleaning the windows of the tractor will make a surprising difference and makes spotting people, cows’ heads and obstructions easier.
KEENAN Service is legendary amongst KEENAN customers. In fact, if you ask a customer why he or she has invested in a KEENAN mixer wagon, invariably one of the responses will be the reliability of the machine together with the wonderful back-up service.
An old adage from KEENAN is “Never miss a feed”, and to carry this promise out, the company only appoints KEENAN Accredited Service Engineers who have a track record in experience and reliability.
Two KEENAN Service Engineers I met recently certainly “fit this bill” – Martin Nolan and David Campbell.
Martin Nolan, who covers most of Leinster, brings a wealth of experience to KEENAN customers. “I have been working with KEENAN now for twenty-seven years” says Martin. I started out in the factory in Borris, where I assembled machines for ten years, and then decided to set up my own business – Martin Nolan Engineering.
Martin says that no job is “too big or too small” for him, and is on call twenty four hours a day. I’ve never refused to go out to a farmer in trouble” he comments.
Martin has worked on every model of the KEENAN mixer wagon range, and offers this advice to farmers –
Martin says that dairy farmers are the worst offenders in not looking after their machines as they are too busy!
David Campbell covers the Midlands region and brings both national and international experience to the job.
“I started out as a dairy farmer, but decided in October 2005 to set up my own machinery business, and this has gone from strength to strength.”
As an ex dairy farmer, David completely understands the importance of having your feeding equipment in good order. “I realise that dairy farmers are too busy, as Michael has said previously. But, if you miss a feed then milk yields can drop, and this is a loss of income, which dairy farmers can ill afford, when milk prices are not great.”
Like Michael, David cannot stress too greatly the importance of regular servicing of your machine. “Regular servicing, looking after bearing and chains are all crucial to the effective performance of your KEENAN. Another important aspect to consider is the condition of your paddles and rubbers, dulled or broken blades reduce the chopping capability and increase the time to produce an efficient MechFiber mix.”
David has been travelling the world with KEENAN recently, commissioning and servicing KEENAN machines in countries as far afield as Turkey, Greece and Thailand. In Thailand, for example there are over four million dairy cows, and six million beef cattle. It sounds as if he will be servicing KEENAN machines for a long time to come!
When a farmer invests in a mixer wagon, they want a reliable and profitable feeding system. KEENAN has addressed this with its’ KEENAN Approved mixer wagon range of used machines.
The KEENAN Approved machines also deliver the legendary KEENAN MechFiber benefits on –farm. All machines have to pass a 60-point health check by a KEENAN engineer, giving farmers the confidence to buy a machine of the highest quality – but with the lower cost of ownership. In fact, a KEENAN Approved can be purchased for as little as £50 per week!
Cornish dairy farmer Neil Harvey has certainly experienced the benefits of a KEENAN Approved. In fact, he has now purchased three of these since buying his first KEENAN in 1993. “I’m now on my third, and they come onto the farm looking very good, are extremely reliable and are an affordable option for any livestock farmer” says Neil.
Neil farms in partnership with his brothers Raymond and Ian and the farm has been in the family since our father bought it in 1946,” says Neil.
Wiggaton Farm covers some 250 acres with 100 rented, and they have a mixed herd of Holstein Friesians Ayrshires and Holstein Friesian crosses. “This may seem like a strange cross” says Neil “but we find that they are hardier cattle than the Holsteins, smaller to fit our cubicles and milk longer.” The Ayrshires were introduced onto the farm a few years ago by their herdsman, and Neil laughs when he says that they are now producing “speckled cows”
The cows are averaging 8,500 litres with 4.1% butterfat and 3.2% protein. The Harvey’s rear all their own replacements and calve all-year-round. Including heifers and calves, there is currently350 head of stock on the farm
The KEENAN works very hard on the farm, feeding all the stock. “All the young stock, up to a year old, are fed barley straw from the mixer wagon, and after that a total mixed ration (TMR) which could contain up to 30% straw.”
The dry cows are fed a TMR consisting mainly of straw, silage and crimped wheat. “I don’t want them to get too fat “explains Neil “and we find that they calve easier. In fact, we very rarely have a vet out to a calving”. The dung is firmer on this ration, and this is crucial as there is limited slurry storage on the follower and young stock unit.
In the summer the milkers are buffered with a TMR once daily, and in the winter twice daily. The herd graze from early April to the end of October, (weather permitting) “In a good year, we get six and a half months of grazing” comments Neil. When housed, cows are fed a TMR that includes straw, molasses, crimped barley, a pre-mixed blend, grass and maize silage.
The wagon is also fitted with KEENAN InTouch technology, which helps Neil to monitor and control feed costs. The box is fitted to the machine and Neil says that it is “incredibly easy” to use. Is “fool-proof and makes feeding simple and cost effective.”
KEENAN South West Regional Salesman, Colm O’Loughlin says “When you buy one of these machines, KEENAN makes sure that there will be no scary secrets waiting to jump out on a Sunday morning! They are all prepared to enter the farm place ready to work and produce the best ration available.”
