Mycotoxins
Monday, January 28, 2019
Mycotoxins are often hidden hazards – a group of harmful toxins produced by certain types of fungi including mould that are only detectable with lab testing. They can create a variety of problems for beef cattle including reduced health and productivity.
The source of mycotoxins are fungi, including mould, that can be present in green pastures, cereal swaths, standing corn for winter grazing, cured and ensiled grass, cereal forages, crop co-products (straw, distillers grains, grain screenings, oilseed meals) and commercial feeds.
The most common causes of mycotoxin issues are fungal diseases such as fusarium and ergot. Risk of contamination is higher when moisture levels and temperatures are higher during the flowering stage and when storage conditions are less than ideal allowing moisture levels beyond recommended ranges.
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