Milk production effects of a mycotoxin binder in diets with normal levels of contamination.

We investigated the effect of inclusion of a specific mycotoxin binder (Mexsil MR, Grupo Karluis) on the milk producing ability of diary cows fed low levels of dietary mycotoxins. Cows were divided equally into 2 treatment groups based on milk yield and parity. They were fed TMR and were milked 2X per day for 12 periods of 2 weeks each. Dietary treatments consisted of the normal diet and normal diet plus 125 g of mycotoxin binder.

Feed samples were submitted to a laboratory for nutrient and mycotoxin analysis. Corn silage and TMR were screened for aflatoxin, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin and T-2 toxin using commercial kits. Milk production and milk components were determined biweekly. Health and reproduction data were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Proc Mixed of SAS with pretreatment production variables used as covariates. Factors in the model were diet, parity, period and BST. TMR samples had greater mean concentration of mycotoxins than did corn silage samples except for zearalenone. Mean mycotoxin levels in the TMR across the study were below accepted tolerances. However, mycotoxin concentration was not constant due to SE of about 100 percent. Mean biweekly T-2 levels were elevated in periods 6 and 8. Total mycotoxin levels were elevated in periods 6, 8 and 10. Milk production of control cows declined in periods of higher mycotoxins. SCC an BCS were improved overall for binder for 12 weeks is presented below. We conclude that when feed levels of T-2 are in excess of recommended even for a short time, inclusion of this mycotoxin binder will lessen production decreases.

Key Words: Mycotoxins, DON, T-2