Mycotoxicosis

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi/molds which come into the feed through the feed ingredients. Mycotoxins can be formed on crops in the field, during harvest, or during storage, processing, or feeding. Molds are present throughout the environment and Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicilliummolds are among the most important in producing mycotoxins detrimental to cattle.

Presence of Mycotoxins increases the incidence of disease and reduces production efficiency in cattle. Mycotoxins can be the primary agent causing acute health or production problems in a dairy herd, but more likely, mycotoxins are a factor contributing to chronic problems including a higher incidence of disease, poor reproductive performance or suboptimal milk production. Symptoms are often nonspecific and the result of a progression of effects, making a diagnosis difficult or impossible because of the complex clinical results with a wide diversity of signs.