With increasing mycotoxin risk to cattle being reported, mycotoxin management must be factored in to dairy herd health programmes.

This is the key message from leading expert, Professor Johanna Fink-Gremmels.

In a vet meeting hosted by Alltech UK, Professor Fink-Gremmels, who has spent several decades researching the mechanisms involved in the toxicity of mycotoxins, told attendees that the effect of exposure in ruminants is greatly underestimated.

She said: "As a result of emerging fungal threats across Europe and varied diets consisting of both concentrate feed and forage, ruminants are being exposed to an increasingly complex mixture of mycotoxins.

“Chronic mycotoxin exposure initiates a cascade of adverse effects.

"Along with impaired rumen function, mycotoxin ingestion can initiate a generalised inflammatory response.

"This results in a broad range of symptoms such as reduced milk yield, increased disease prevalence and a drop-in fertility.

“If a cow is displaying any signs associated with mycotoxin exposure without any other obvious diagnosis, further investigation should be sought to rule out mycotoxins.

“A broad-spectrum mycotoxin test, such as the 37+ test offered by Alltech, can accurately identify the type and levels of any mycotoxins in feed, enabling an informed decision on any mitigatory measures.

“If intervention is necessary, strategies should focus on improving the rumen flora and reducing the bioavailability of mycotoxins through the addition of a broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder, to minimise the effects on cow health and performance."