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New Ultrasorb 50 FarmPack Reduces Mycotoxin Challenge in Dairy Herds
Mole Valley Farmers are urging dairy and beef producers to keep a close check on feed rations and cattle health this winter to avoid the devastating impact of mycotoxin challenge in their herds.
Wet growing seasons have increased the levels of potentially dangerous mycotoxins in grass silage, maize silage and crimped wheat. There are over 400 types of mycotoxins found in home produced forage and cereals, 90% of which are brought in from the field.
Diagnosis of a mycotoxin challenge can be difficult as many of the symptoms of chronic and sub acute cases can mirror other causes. Farmers should be alerted if cattle are showing two or more symptoms including poor body condition, low fertility, low milk production, poor milk quality, poor daily liveweight gain, foot lesions that fail to heal and scouring with mucus tags.
Dr Chris Bartram, Mole Valley Farmers Head of Agri Product Development said, ‘There is no doubt that the mycotoxin challenge is on the increase as a result of another wet summer. Farmers, vets and advisors are much more aware of the issue and are managing to identify the problem before it has serious economic consequences. Fortunately, the impact of mycotoxins can be reduced if you use the right product at the right time and apply it strategically as part of the total diet.’
Mole Valley Farmers have been working to develop a second generation mycotoxin binding product known as UltraSorb 50 Farmpack. This new development speedily counteracts the mycotoxins in the digestive system and results in the removal of the “hand brake” on animal production.
Extensively trialled on farm in the UK, UltraSorb 50 Farmpack represents a unique, technically advanced solution. Working in four distinctive ways, the product binds, neutralizes and transforms the undesirable toxins into harmless molecules which then pass through the animal and out in the dung. Technically, clay particles and yeast extracts bind the mycotoxins, while additional nutrients assist liver recovery and stimulate rumen microbes.
Dr Bartram is impressed with both the science and the results on farm, illustrating this with the experience of a leading Shropshire dairy farmer, who had a persistent problem in his large, high yielding herd of Holstein Friesians last winter.
Dr Bartram explained, ‘The cows were scouring regularly, off their food from time to time and generally not performing. The local vet was involved but was unable to diagnose any specific disease problems. Milk production started to decline and fertility efficiency was below expectations. The farmer took further advice and tried a buffer product to reduce what he thought might be acidosis caused by high levels of cereals in the ration. This helped initially but failed to get to the root of the problem.’
Searching for solutions, the farmer decided to take a closer look at his home grown silage. Although it looked a high quality material on paper, the crop was harvested late in the season and the potential for mycotoxins to be the cause of the problems he was experiencing soon became apparent. He then tried UltraSorb in the diet, thoroughly mixed into the ration. It resulted in a rapid improvement in performance within around five days.
‘The cows were eating more, with reduced or no scouring, coming through the parlour more quickly and most importantly delivering an increase in milk yield. Within two weeks milk yield had increased by up to two litres per cow per day and the improvement continued until spring turnout. Fertility has also improved significantly,’ said Dr Bartram.
‘Unfortunately, at this point, thinking the problem had gone, the farmer stopped using the UltraSorb. However, as the high yielders were still being fed in the parlour and housed at night, it became apparent that there was still a significant mycotoxin challenge. But at least this time he knew what to do!’
Dr Bartram urges farmers to be on their guard for any mycotoxin challenge this winter. Clearly, there can be a hugely detrimental impact on herd performance and a simple solution exists – UltraSorb 50 Farmpack. Try it and take off the handbrake!
For any further details on UltraSorb 50 Farmpack, which is available in 25 kgs bags with a minimum order quantity of 10, and up to the minute advice on dealing with mycotoxins and mineral deficiencies please call Mole Valley Farmers’ Mineral Helpline on 01278 420481.
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