Beef producers are constantly trying to drive down the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of their cattle to improve productivity. With an FCR of 6.4:1, cattle are sometimes compared to chickens for the efficiency of their 2.1:1 FCR.

Some argue that comparing the FCRs of chickens to cows is like comparing apples to oranges, and their points are fair. However, even when comparing the efficiencies of dairy cattle to beef cattle, beef cattle still come up short. If beef cattle were metabolically efficient like dairy cows, then by extrapolation, beef cattle would reach a weight of about 2 tons by two years of age. This is clearly unreasonable.

Inefficiencies in industries contribute to profit losses, but is it even possible for the beef industry to become more efficient?

Professor Maurice Boland, European research director for Alltech, believes that beef cattle have the potential to make FCR improvements. The right process just needs to be implemented with the help of the right tools. He explained his reasoning, describing the tools and processes at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference 2017.

Moo-ving toward the goal of beef cattle efficiency

In order to make cattle more efficient, there needs to be fewer days on feed and less feed fed per day, while still reaching the desired carcass weights. Genomics seems to be the best tool for achieving these goals; however, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done on genomics in beef cattle.

“While genomics has made a significant improvement in dairy herds, it’s going to be easier said than done to achieve the same kind of input in beef herds because of that animal-to-animal variation,” said Boland.

Bullseye: Finding the reproductive targets

While genomics is improving, recent work is contributing to a better understanding of how to improve the reproduction process.

The following are some of the reproductive targets for beef cattle gathered from a recent publication¹ by Michael G. Diskin and David A. Kenny of the Animal and Bioscience Research Department at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre. These reproductive targets suggest that, in order to achieve optimum production:

• Calving intervals should be at or below 365 days.
• Less than 5 percent of cows should be culled as barren.
• The age at first calving should be 24 months.
• There should be a replacement rate of 16 to 18 percent.

To determine if the environment in utero had significant effects on post-natal health, Alexander Evans, the dean of agriculture and head of the School of Agriculture and Food Science at University College Dublin, examined in a separate study² the effects that nutrition had on the ovarian follicles in fetal development.

By 150 days, most heifer calves will have all of the follicles that they are ever going to have. Evans altered the nutrition of two groups of cows that were to be inseminated and continued the nutritional plan throughout a portion of the pregnancy. The resulting calves did not differ in weight at birth nor any measure of size, but the control group, with the new nutrition plan, had a significantly higher peak ovarian follicle number than those coming from cows that had their energy intake restricted during the first 110 days of preganancy.

A higher follicle number means that the reproductive targets established by Diskin and Kenny are more achievable.

Beefing up

Another study conducted by Giuliana Miguel-Pacheco³, honorary research associate for the National Autonomous University of Mexico, showed that crude protein in the second trimester significantly increased the body weight in the calves. While birthweights were only slightly higher, the crude protein increased calf growth rate during the first six months.

Boland is optimistic about the opportunities that prenatal nutritional programming could present for improved cattle FCR,

“I think there are opportunities there that we haven’t all engaged with in relation to what is happening in the pregnancy period,” he said. “The mechanismns to take advantage of that opportunity are there.”

Cash cows

Although improved beef cattle efficiency has often seemed fraught with challenges, recent studies are indicating the promise of prenatal nutritional programming. The more efficient cattle become, the more profit producers will make. Continued research, especially research focusing on in uteronutrition, holds the potential to make every cow a cash cow.  

References:

1. Diskin MG and Kenny DA. 2016. Managing the reproductive performance of beef cows. Theriogenology. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.052
2. Evans, Alexander & Mossa, Francesca & Fair, T & Lonergan, P & Butler, Stephen & Zielak-Steciwko, Anna & W Smith, G & Jimenez-Krassel, Fermin & K Folger, J & L H Ireland, J & J Ireland, J. (2010). Variation in the number of ovarian follicles in cattle: Possible causes and consequences. Society of Reproduction and Fertility supplement. 67. 421-9. 10.5661/RDR-VII-421
3. Miguel-Pacheco, G., Curtain, L., Rutland, C., Knott, L., Norman, S., Phillips, N., & Perry, V. (2017). Increased dietary protein in the second trimester of gestation increases live weight gain and carcass composition in weaner calves to 6 months of age. Animal, 11(6), 991-999. doi:10.1017/S1751731116002330

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While the strategically developed Leavenworth Livestock Research Center (LLRC) opened its doors only a few short months ago, the 2,500-head, wean-to-finish center is already expected to make big advancements in the research sector of the swine industry.

The Leavenworth Livestock Research Center officially opened in August 2017

Located near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, the LLRC boasts two 1,250-head rooms and is fully equipped with 96 pens (48 per room) and innovative technologies like the Big Dutchman DryExact feeding system. This automated feeding system brings a higher degree of accuracy to feed delivery records at the feeder level, which results in more statistically significant information. This is essential because big differences in treatments aren’t always observed. However, small differences can add up over time. For example, 1 ounce per day (30 grams) difference in feed delivered equals 7 pounds at market in a wean-to-finish facility.

And, while the LLRC may look similar to a commercial barn, it is fully filtered. The modern filtration system removes dust and pathogens before they get into the barn, thereby alleviating many biosecurity concerns.

Improving research, production and the producer’s bottom line

“Hubbard Feeds has a long history of providing research-proven nutrition programs,” reflects Ernie Hansen, manager of swine nutrition and technical services at Hubbard. “In the early days, we had the Hubbard Answer Farm. More recently, we’ve worked with swine industry leaders such as New Fashion Pork and Compart Family Farms. And today, as part of the Alltech family of companies, we have the unique opportunity to evaluate new nutritional technologies developed by Alltech in a barn that features the latest in design and feeding equipment.”  

A new group of pigs (sourced from local Minnesota premier pork producer Schwartz Farms, Inc.) was introduced to the LLRC in mid-November 2017 and the Hubbard team began conducting a research trial on Blueprint®, an Alltech program. The goal of this trial is to confirm the cumulative effects of Alltech technologies on growth, health and meat quality.

“The opportunity to do research in a realistic commercial production scenario is exciting,” says Hansen. “Our team can gather large amounts of statistical data with the number of pigs on-site and connect those results to similar situations for swine producers. The resulting information from the trials will be used to develop new products and feeding programs, with the overall goal of helping our customers achieve their production goals, increase profitability, reduce risk and improve their overall competitive advantage.”

Future research plans at LLRC include:

• Further evaluation of Alltech technologies in swine feeding programs.

• Continued assessment of basic nutrition principles such as amino acids, ratios and energy as they evolve with genetics.

• Animal protein-free and antibiotic-free programs.

As the saying goes, the only constant is change. The swine industry of the future will face many challenges and opportunities.

“Providing research-proven feeding programs is a big part of the value we bring to our customers,” says Hansen. “It’s why they do business with us. We need to anticipate our customers’ needs and rise to the challenge in order to improve.”

For more information on this facility and the research work that’s being done, contact Ernie.Hansen@hubbardfeeds.com.

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Regardless of the breed or discipline, a horse must have a good foundation on which to develop strong bones and joints. Nutrition of the growing horse has a great impact on this foundation.

Several nutrients are particularly important in bone growth and development of the horse. Supply and balance of these nutrients is key to optimizing growth and minimizing nutritionally associated orthopedic problems. Whether the foal is a Thoroughbred destined to be the next Triple Crown contender, a Saddlebred aiming to be the next World Grand Champion or a pony that is a dream come true for a child, supplying sufficient nutrients in the proper balance will help foals develop a strong foundation.

Energy and protein

Optimal energy and protein balance are needed to support growth. As the horse matures, the growth rate changes; therefore, energy and protein requirements will also change. Energy is essential to growth and development. The quality of protein in the diet is also important. Crude protein in the diet is a measure of nitrogen and not an indication of protein quality. Protein quality is determined by the amino acid composition of the diet and the digestibility of the amino acids. Thus, the amino acid composition of the diet, rather than the crude protein content, is important to the growing horse. A steady growth rate can be obtained by avoiding excesses or deficiencies in either energy or protein and will help to reduce the incidence or severity of developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD).

Excess dietary energy and protein

If certain nutrients in the diet (vitamins and minerals) cannot support an increase in growth rate due to excess energy and protein, it may result in physitis, weak or brittle bones, increased risk for bucked shins, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and flexural deformities. Excess energy will also result in a fat horse. Excess dietary protein alone has not been found to cause bone development problems in horses; however, in practical situations, excess protein usually means excess energy also. Distinguishing between getting fat (body condition) and growing (growth rate) is essential. Both body weight and body condition should be monitored at least monthly and the feeding program adjusted as needed.

Deficient dietary energy and protein

Feeding deficient protein and energy will decrease growth rate and may lead to compensatory growth later when sufficient nutrients are available. If insufficient energy and protein are provided in the winter months (due to lack of feeding, poor quality hay, etc.), the growth rate will slow. In the spring, when pastures are lush and rich in calories and protein, a rapid increase in growth rate occurs. This rapid increase in growth is compensatory growth. It usually occurs post-weaning and may predispose the growing horse to DOD. In addition to decreased growth, protein deficiency may result in decreased feed intake (and therefore possible deficiencies in other nutrients) and decreased protein digestibility. Energy deficiency will also slow growth and may result in DOD.

Minerals: Calcium and phosphorus

Besides energy and protein, several minerals are important for proper bone and cartilage formation and development. Bone is approximately 35 percent calcium (Ca) and 14 percent to 17 percent phosphorus (P). Deficiencies in calcium and/or phosphorus can cause cartilage thickening, decreased growth rate and decreased bone density. While meeting calcium and phosphorus requirements are critical, the ratio in the diet is equally important. The safest ratio range should be maintained between 1:1 and 4:1 (Ca:P). A ratio above 4:1 (excess Ca) may decrease the absorption of other minerals, including iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc, thereby causing DOD. A ratio below 1:1 (excess P) may result in poor bone development, problems with cartilage growth and decreased calcium absorption, possibly leading to chronic calcium deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Minerals: Copper and zinc

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are also essential for proper bone growth. Copper is necessary for synthesis of connective tissue, while bone contains intermediate concentrations of zinc. Deficiencies in copper result in DOD, and deficient dietary zinc decreases growth rate. In general, most forages and grains are slightly below a horse's requirements in copper but have only half a horse's requirement of zinc. Knowledgeable feed manufacturers will fortify their feeds to meet copper and zinc requirements when fed under average feeding practices. In practical terms, a horse's diet should have a Zn:Cu ratio ranging from 3:1 to 5:1. Excess zinc (>500 parts per million dry matter) may interfere with absorption of calcium and phosphorus and proper copper utilization, resulting in physitis, lameness and stiffness.

Vitamins: A & D

Vitamins, particularly A and D, are essential for normal growth and development. Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, is high in green forages, such as pastures and well-cured hays. Horses must convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. Well-cured hays retain most vitamin A activity, but poor curing conditions (e.g., rain damage, long exposure to drying, etc.) will destroy beta-carotene.

Vitamin A has many functions, including bone remodeling. Among other symptoms, excesses in vitamin A (>7,000 International Units per pound of dry matter) may cause weak bones. Excessively high intake can result when multiple supplements containing substantial amounts of vitamin A are fed. Vitamin A deficiency is not likely for horses consuming adequate green forage. However, horses given old or poor-quality hay and/or with very little grazing time may need vitamin A supplementation. Most commercial feeds and supplements contain more than adequate amounts of this vitamin. Deficiency in vitamin A will result in poor growth, but it has not been directly shown to cause bone problems in horses.

Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption from the intestine, resorption of calcium from bone and reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Under sunlight, a substance in the skin is converted to a pre-vitamin form and eventually to an active form by the liver and kidneys, making deficiencies unlikely. Deficiencies may occur if horses are not exposed to direct sunlight and receive poorly cured hay. A deficiency could cause various bone abnormalities to develop. Excesses are also rare, but would be most common if certain members of the nightshade plant family are consumed. Symptoms of excess vitamin D intake would include bone abnormalities and calcification of blood vessels, the heart and other soft tissues.

Summary

• The ultimate goal for growing horses is to achieve a steady growth rate and avoid orthopedic problems. This can be accomplished by supplying sufficient nutrients in the proper balance.

• Seasonal changes in pasture quality and individual body condition make it necessary to adjust the feeding program accordingly.

• If feed (grain) is reduced, mineral supplementation may be needed to make up for deficiencies.

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In recent years, there has been growing public concern about the welfare of livestock. Dairy farmers are, and should be, chief among those concerned about the well-being of their animals. Uncomfortable animals are not productive animals.

The first and best way to care for your herd is to reduce discomfort and stress caused by husbandry procedures, and this requires early recognition of any pain. Since cows do not communicate verbally, veterinarians and dairy producers have to pay close attention to changes in cow behavior. Teeth grinding, vocalizing, head pressing or, less frequently, colic behavior are clear signs of severe discomfort. Earlier identification of less severe behavioral changes in the cow will help detect illness, leading to better treatment options and improved health outcomes, including milk yield.         

In this video, Dr. Silivo Miranda explains his 5-minute facial assessment. To hear it in Spanish, click here.

Understanding cow discomfort by facial expression

We are developing new guides to facial expression to help farmers detect if their cows are experiencing pain. This program is based on identifying and recognizing specific features on the cow’s face. Cows change their facial expression when stressed, and this spontaneous facial expression is considered an innate response, which is very difficult to suppress.

With a little practice, this evaluation can be done quickly in five minutes, and the farmer, with help from his veterinarian, can decide if the cow needs treatment or not.

Nose: It is a good sign if she lets you get close to the nose. If the facial muscles are relaxed, it means she isn’t in pain.

Strained nostrils dilated with lines above the nostrils and tension of the facial muscle suggest pain. Also, an increase of tonus of the lips could indicate pain.

Eyes: A cow has incredible peripheral vision and relies on vision for many things, from navigating the barn to finding feed. That is why bright, clear eyes, free of any crusting, are important for a healthy cow. A stare/withdrawn appearance and tension of the muscles above the eyes that may be seen as “furrow lines” indicate pain.

Ears: Should be forward. If the ears are tense and backward or low, also called “lambs ears,” this might indicate discomfort or pain.

Pain evaluation is an essential tool to ensure animal welfare in the modern dairy industry. Remember, happy, pain-free cows mean more milk and better reproductive health.  

As growers look to the next season and plan their spring planting, they will be watching for the first signals of how their crops will succeed throughout the spring and summer and into harvest.

Crop emergence is the first predictor of crop success. The number of seeds that germinate and grow has a direct correlation to the total yield and quality. Therefore, it is important to take steps not only during the pre-emergence, but also in the previous growing and harvest periods, that will benefit the plants throughout the growing season.

Soil preparation

Preparing your soil begins during the previous season. The use of practices that promote the improvement and biological balance in the soil, such as cover crops, crop rotation and natural fertilizers, improves the soil. Optimal soil quality will help plants reach their full genetic potential and better face environmental stressors. 

The amount of crop residue can also affect emergence since it can keep the temperature of the soil significantly lower. Growers should take the time to break down the material, which will also provide additional nutrients to the soil. 

Field preparation

After improving soil health, it is time to properly prepare the field itself for planting. A soil test is recommended to check what nutrients — both macro and micro — may be low.

During the pre-emergence period, it is also time to begin scouting the fields for early signs of weeds. Growers should not only look for weeds that are beginning to break through, but also dig for weed seeds as well. Field borders can be a good place to check for signs of potential weed problems.

Seed selection

To make sure the crop emerges properly and in a timely fashion, the right variety of seed should be used. The chosen variety should work well for the soil type, the growing environment and the grower’s end market goals. For example, if the area is prone to stressors like temperature fluctuations, a seed that is rated for emergence stressors should be used. 

Timing

Timing is integral to ensure that the crop emerges correctly. Planting too early or too late can be detrimental to the overall yield and crop quality. Some crops, such as soybeans, perform better if they are planted a bit early.

Temperature

Keeping an eye on soil temperature will ensure a better emergence of your plants. Cold temperatures will stress the seeds and decrease the number of plants that will reach maturity. Growers should monitor the temperature at planting depth, and if it is a cold and wet period, planting should be stopped, if possible, until more favorable conditions are present. 

The attention in preparing the soil and field, finding the right seeds and ensuring correct timing and weather conditions will help growers get a leg up in ensuring that their seeds emerge into viable plants. To learn about more ways to improve soil and provide a strong start for your crops, contact Cropscience@alltech.com.  

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The brooding period is a critical time of development for many systems within a bird, and it occurs from the time of placement — even beforehand as the farm prepares for the new flock — to around two weeks of life for the young chicken (chick) or turkey (poult).

Getting the flock off to the right start during brooding can help to positively impact health and performance throughout the flock’s life. There are five areas that must be monitored carefully during the brooding period:

1. Regulation of body temperature

Chicks and poults are unable to regulate their internal body temperature during the first four to six days post-hatch (poults: 39.4–40°C or 103–104°F; chicks: 40–41°C or 104–106°F).

While environmental temperature control is important for the entire flock, it is particularly critical during brooding, as it is important to not overheat nor overcool birds, which can greatly impact performance. Management guidelines for the breed will include the appropriate temperatures for the flock, and these temperatures may differ depending on whether the flock is from younger or older breeder hens. The producer must also consider the temperature of the floor and litter so that the entire environment, and not just the air, is at the correct temperature. 

2. Skeletal and muscle system

During their first week of life, poults and chicks gain around four times their original body weight. This significant increase in weight suggests rapid growth of the bird. A large part of this growth is aided by the first feeding phases given to the bird, which focus on nutrients to help with growth, as opposed to the end of the flock, when nutrients are focused on body maintenance. Nutrients such as protein, calcium, phosphorus and various minerals are required to help with this growth. Using minerals that are more bioavailable to the bird (e.g., Bioplex^® and Sel-Plex^®) and highly digestible proteins (e.g., NuPro^®) can optimize growth during this time and the life of the flock.  

3. Immune system

Some breeder hen antibodies are passed on to the offspring through the yolk. These maternal antibodies help to protect the chick/poult during their first two to three weeks of age. However, these maternal antibodies do not complete the immune system of the young bird. Immune organs and immune tissue start developing in the embryo and the hatched bird. Additionally, active immunity is developing in the young bird from in ovo to the field through vaccinations and exposure to pathogens. If there is any stress on the bird, the immune system can be suppressed, negatively impacting health and performance. Depending on the situation, supporting the immune system during this period with various feed additives, such as Actigen^®, Natustat^®, Bioplex and Sel-Plex, can be beneficial to encourage the building of natural defenses.

4. Gastrointestinal system

The gastrointestinal tract has many purposes, including barrier and immune function for disease protection, as well as the breakdown, digestion and absorption of feed and water that can be translated into production parameters. The small intestine is the main area where most of the feed is digested and absorbed. To efficiently absorb feed, there must be a large surface area in the intestinal tract. Increased villi numbers and villi height help to increase the surface area for absorption. The small intestine has rapid development from 17 days of incubation to about 10 days post-placement. During this critical time, the bird’s ability to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients, in addition to mounting strong disease defenses, is developed.

5. Microbiome

Different areas of the bird have different microbiomes, such as the skin and intestinal tract. The intestinal tract microbiome is a part of the barrier function of the intestine. The stability of the microbiome involves a balancing act between the beneficial and opportunistic microbes, the latter of which are disease-causing under stress. Within a few hours of hatching, the small intestine is colonized by different bacterial groups. As the bird ages, the intestinal microflora population changes from immature to mature, reaching a stable balance within two to three weeks in the small intestine and up to six weeks in the ceca. Supporting the early establishment of a beneficial microflora community will allow villi to flourish, absorption to be maximized and the presence of pathogenic bacteria to be minimized. The diet of the bird, including nutrients and feed additives (such as Actigen, All-Lac^® XCL and Acid-Pak 4-Way^® 2X), as well as the water the bird drinks, can have an impact on the intestinal microflora. The poultry barn, especially the litter, has its own microflora that is highly influenced by the gut microflora, and vice versa. It may take several flock cycles to positively change the populations and profile of the poultry barn microflora.

When the birds are first placed in the barn, it is critical that they gain immediate access to feed and water. Supplemental feed and water are generally used to allow for easy transition to the permanent feeding and water system.

Many factors must be taken into consideration to help the birds get off to the right start during brooding, including best management practices, with particular attention to biosecurity, nutrition and health status.  

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2017 was an extremely hot and dry year in Portugal, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Fahrenheit above average and summer temperatures extending through the end of October. Precipitation levels were 70 percent below previous years. These climatic conditions led to weak pollination, which predicted substantial production losses.

In the south of Portugal, an already hot and dry region, Rui Barros, a producer of corn for popcorn, was looking for solutions to help him keep his farm productivity at a normal level.

Vasco Stubner, sales representative for Alltech Portugal, proposed a simple program aimed at helping plants maintain their vital functions so production isn't lost. Grain-Set^® was applied through fertigation on June 15, and the corn was harvested three months later at the end of September.

The harvest numbers tell the story of Barros’ success:

• Increased cob weight

• Yield increased by 793 kg/ha (12.7 bu/acre) versus the control, which represented a return of investment around 5 to 1 

“We have only intervened on a small parcel of this farm,” said Stubner. “With productivity results that exceeded all the farmer’s best expectations, we are definitely looking into broadening the area of application for next season.”  

Beringel Farm, where the program was applied, has a total area of over 200 acres.

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Have you recently welcomed a new four-legged family member into your home?

One of the best ways to give your puppy the right start to a long and happy life with you is by feeding it healthy, nutritious food. But with so many options (there are literally thousands of choices on the market), you may be feeling overwhelmed or simply unsure of the best selection for your pet. Or, if you own multiple dogs, you may be wondering if the answer is as simple as feeding them all the same food (it’s not).

The great news is that through extensive scientific-based research and modern technology, we have achieved greater comprehension of the specific needs of growing dogs. We understand now more than ever that properly balanced nutrition is essential to the appropriate development of both mind and body. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to nutrition since needs may vary depending on specific breeds, traits and life stages, but there are some general guidelines that can be followed to get you and your pup on the right path to spending many years together.

Nutrition for healthy, happy puppies

1. Puppy nutrition versus adult dog nutrition: Puppies mature rapidly and have twice the daily nutritional requirements of adult dogs. Their muscles, joints, bones, internal organs and immune system are just a few of the major components that are developing in their first one to two years of life. Therefore, they require a high-fat/high-energy, 30 percent protein diet with increased levels of many essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. A complete and balanced puppy food will contain specific nutrients tailored to meet these critical needs. Your puppy should be fed three times per day until it reaches 6 months of age. You can then reduce meals to twice daily. You can read more about the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations for growing puppies here.

     a. Large breed puppies have unique needs: Owners of large breed puppies should take additional heed when selecting food because orthopedic diseases can arise if appropriate nutrition is not applied. Large breed dogs that grow too fast can suffer from hip dysplasia, knee problems or other comparable concerns. It is imperative that a large breed puppy formula is fed, which should contain a lower fat content and reduced caloric density than food intended for small to medium breed dogs.

2. High-quality puppy food: Choose food based on high-quality ingredients, backed by proven research, that meets or exceeds AAFCO and National Research Council guidelines. Your veterinarian, breeder or trainer may also be able to guide you in the right direction.

3. Moist, semi-moist or dry food and how much to feed: Dry food is generally considered to be the best option because it contains more meat protein, is more efficient, is easily digested and is better at keeping teeth clean. Regarding how much to feed, it is generally recommended to follow the label guidelines based on your dog’s age. Do not overfeed.

4. How long to feed puppy food: Generally, dogs are considered puppies until they reach their anticipated adult size. Most dogs are about a year old and at 80 percent of their expected size when the transition is made from puppy to adult food. Speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure of when to make the change.

5. Switching food: Luckily, dogs are generally not considered very picky eaters. Transitioning from an old food to a new food should be a fairly straightforward experience but should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Mix small amounts of the new food in with the old food, gradually increasing the new and decreasing the old over the course of at least seven days.

Last, but certainly not least, it is critical to avoid overfeeding your pet. Like the human obesity crisis, pet obesity in the U.S. has reached epidemic levels. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 54 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. This is entirely in your control as a responsible owner. Even a few extra pounds can lead to chronic health issues and a shortened lifespan. Follow recommended guidelines for feeding, even for treats, and provide ample exercise to keep your pet (and possibly you, too) at a healthy weight level.

Having a sound feed storage management system is vital for preventing pig feed contamination. Stored feed is at risk for mold growth, which can lead to the development of mycotoxins, as well as insect and pest damage, ultimately reducing the nutrient density of the feed. Properly managing feed stored in bulk bins is important to prevent this reduction in nutrition. There are several approaches to maintaining quality feed during bulk-bin storage, including:

• Running bins empty before refilling them with new deliveries.
• Not allowing old feed to accumulate in corners or pipework.
• Keeping bins in good condition to prevent water ingress.
• Restricting access by rodents and insects.

Bins should be regularly inspected for rust or damage, including leaking seams or loose joints. The inlet and outlet augers need to be examined for damage and the buildup of old feed. Ideally, all bins should be run empty in 30 days, so producers should ensure that they have enough storage capacity to allow for this without running out of feed.

In spring and autumn (or every six months), all bins should be run empty and treated with a mold inhibitor. Bin interiors must be cleaned out with a pressure washer, with close attention given to any corners or other areas where old feed may have become trapped. Bins must be completely dry before they are refilled. Fumigation can be used to control any insects or mites that may be present, and a rodent control program should be instated and regularly reviewed.

The risks of mycotoxins in swine feed

Old, stale and/or damp feed will rapidly develop mold growths. This, in turn, produces mycotoxins, which contaminate the feed and can be highly problematic for pigs.

Compared to cattle, pigs are very sensitive to mycotoxins. Young pigs and breeding sows/boars are generally the most susceptible to mycotoxins. The presence of mycotoxins in the feed, even at low levels, can lead to infertility and abortions, palatability problems, feed wastage and a loss of nutrients (due to fungal activity breaking down the nutrients in the feed). These problems lead to reduced average daily gains and poor performance, reduced reproduction and conception rates, increased disease and health issues on the farm and, ultimately, loss of profits.

Feed ingredients such as corn, soybeans and other cereals, which are used as major components of pig feed, are exposed to fungal contamination in the field. The risk of contamination may be higher in years with wetter harvest conditions. To protect against any potential fungal contamination and to reduce the risks of mycotoxins, a proven, broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder that will negate the effects of the toxins in your herd should be incorporated into the feed.

Furthermore, implementing an all-encompassing prevention program, such as the Alltech® Mycotoxin Management program, is an important part of any feed hygiene and quality strategy on-farm.

Mite contamination

Insect infestations in bulk feed can lead to several issues. Cereal mites bore into grain and are attracted to the starch content of milled or pelleted diets. As mites consume this energy-dense feed component, they unbalance the diet by diluting its energy levels, also potentially affecting the feed’s palatability. Mite contamination also reduces the energy-to-protein balance (which can affect weight gain) and increases both the relative fiber levels and the amount of food wastage. These effects have a major impact on feed conversion efficiency and growth performance, ultimately affecting profitability.

Wet feeding

Offering pigs feeds that are wet or moist poses a major risk for potential fungal and bacterial contamination. If a farm does use wet feeds, it is essential that they pay close attention to equipment hygiene and the quality of each delivered batch. Wet feeds that are not fresh and/or have been stored multiple times before delivery, especially during hotter months, are high-risk for contamination. All storage and processing/mixing areas must be regularly cleaned and disinfected as instructed through a strict hygiene plan.

Any splashed water spilled during delivery or the use of wet feeds must be cleaned up immediately. Storage tanks and pipework must be washed out to mitigate fungal growth and to prevent attracting the attention of rodents, wild birds or insects. Liquid feeding systems must be fitted with drainage points to allow for regular cleaning and efficient draining. Pipework should be disinfected to keep biofilms from building up at any angles or connections, as pipes can harbor pathogens that will contaminate feeds that pass through them in the future. Equipment must be regularly checked for wear and tear, and parts that are likely to break down must be replaced. For instance, valve rubbers deteriorate, so a regular program of maintenance should be incorporated into the farm routine. A stock of the parts that most commonly need replacing should also be maintained, and parts should be reordered once a unit is used.

When mixing complete diets, dry ingredients should be stored separately to prevent water ingress and mold growth. Insects, birds and rodents must not be able to access feed storage or mixing and processing areas. A prevention and eradication program should be in place, including physical barriers to entry, to avoid contaminating feces and urine, which spread disease. Wet feeds are particularly at risk of fecal contamination from wild birds, so to prevent this, all storage tanks must be covered.

Wet feeds should be fed immediately after mixing, as their high water content means they will rapidly start to ferment and spoil. Troughs used for these types of diets must be regularly cleaned to prevent the buildup of stale food, which can increase feed refusals. To ensure that all wet feeds are consumed completely by pigs under ad lib feeding systems, delivery valves should be switched off for appropriate periods of time (i.e., for one to two hours at the end of peak feeding activity). Feeding equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between batches of pigs to prevent any cross-contamination of mycotoxins or pathogens. Stricter hygiene procedures should be observed during hot and humid conditions of feed storage and when using wet feed, as these conditions promote more rapid growth of molds and the multiplication of pathogens. 

For more information on the effects of mycotoxins and to learn more about solutions that can help reduce the mycotoxin risk for your feed and herd, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

I want to learn more about nutrition and management practices for my pig herd. 

Alltech’s Harvest Analysis results are in, and they show high levels of mycotoxins, as speculated would be the case based on early harvest samples from the summer. Fusaric acid was high in frequency, and there were particularly high levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), type A trichothecenes (T-2) and fumonisin.

How do mycotoxins affect pigs?

Young pigs and breeding sows/boars are generally the most susceptible to mycotoxins. The presence of mycotoxins, even at low levels in feed, reduces performance in growing and breeding animals, affects immune and health status, and can ultimately lead to death. Irreversible tissue damage occurs that can impair pig performance even when mycotoxins are no longer in the feed.

Our previous blog highlighted some symptoms from DON and T-2, but what about fusaric acid and fumonisin?

Fusaric acid

Fusaric acid is produced by Fusarium mold species that are widespread in corn-based feed. Some effects of the mycotoxin include vomiting, lethargy, reduced blood pressure and swelling of extremities.

It is important to note that the toxicity of fusaric acid is significantly enhanced when the feed is co-contaminated with mycotoxins such as type B trichothecenes and DON.

Fumonisin

Fumonisin is also produced by Fusarium mold species that are common natural contaminants of corn. Some effects of fumonisin include pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), diarrhea, lethargy, liver damage, reduced milk production in sows, decreased feed efficiency and feed growth, and immune suppression.

“Fumonisins could also alter gut-pathogen interactions, which can lead to an increase in the severity and susceptibility to pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella,” noted Dr. Alexandra Weaver, mycotoxin management expert at Alltech.

Is it a threat to your feed?

By understanding mycotoxin contamination in more detail, it is possible to assess the risk posed by the specific ingredient or finished feed. The Alltech® Mycotoxin Management program provides services and solutions to help producers evaluate their mycotoxin risk.

For more information, visit knowmycotoxins.com.

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