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Mycotoxins: Poor-quality straw poses health problems for pigs

Published: January 5, 2009
Source : Darlington & Stockton Times
Mycotoxins in straw could pose a particular threat to the health of pig herds this year, according to James Hall of the ACMC pig breeding company.
The late, wet harvest means straw has been both in short supply and of poor quality.
"While many producers are aware of mycotoxins in cereals, the danger from mouldy straw can be easily overlooked,"  he said.
The first signals could be an increase in the number of returns to service, extended weaning- to-service intervals and late-to-mid-term abortions.
Mr Hall said any producers seeing such symptoms should seek advice from their vets and nutritionists without delay.
He said the effects on the breeding herd are likely to be the most serious as disruption to breeding routines can be costly.
Bought in straw should always be of the best quality available - barley straw has generally been better, as the later wheats tended to catch the worst of the weather.
Barley straw is more expensive, but lasts twice as long.
He accepts the late season meant many arable farmers chopped their straw directly behind the combine, to avoid holding up their autumn cultivations, so there was often not a lot of choice.
"On some farms, I've seen wheat straw that's so grey it looks like oilseed rape straw,"  said Mr Hall.
"Obviously the aim is for a nice golden colour, so if the straw looks to be poor quality, don't use it for the breeding herd, particularly if it is showing signs of mould."
He advised producers to use the best straw for the breeding herd and young pigs.
Producers who mill and mix their own feed should use a mycotoxin binding agent, if they are not already doing so.
Several products are available and, at £5 to £10 per tonne, are a relatively inexpensive form of insurance.
Those who buy in compounds should check with their feed supplier if such additives are available.
However, Mr Hall said feed additive binders do not protect against mycotoxins which are later ingested when pigs eat infected straw.
Source
Darlington & Stockton Times
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