Tests conducted of barley and wheat straw in Europe indicate they can be contaminated with mycotoxins that endanger heifers.
Alltech Inc. routinely tests grains for mycotoxins, but made the discovery when it added straw to its testing.
Danish farmers were worried about the damaging effects of wet weather both pre- and post-harvest. Because excessive moisture delayed straw harvest, the crops lay in the field for extended periods, damaging quality and fueling mold contamination.
A total of 70 straw samples from Denmark were evaluated. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was identified in 84 per cent of samples, and emerging mycotoxins were found in 70 per cent of samples. All told, 95 per cent of samples contained some form of mycotoxin, with 50 per cent containing two or more.
When young dairy animals consume mycotoxins, they can be at risk for feed refusals, diarrhea, and immunosuppression.
Mycotoxin-induced outcomes may be vague,and include unthriftiness, rough haircoat, poor body condition, and reproductive problems.
