Clay not only binds corn-ration mycotoxins, but also boosts dairy cows’ immune systems, says a report from the University of Illinois.
The trial with Holsteins compared two levels of clay added to rations and found better milk-production results at the greater level.
“There has been a good amount of research showing the effect of clay supplements on milk quality and performance, but we took it a step further to look at how clay can help the cow’s immune system,” said Russell Pate, doctoral student in the Department of Animal Sciences.
When incorporated into the diet, clay binds to aflatoxin, preventing it from being absorbed into the cow’s bloodstream.
Instead, Pate said, the bound clay-aflatoxin complex is simply excreted through the feces.
