On July 21, Biovet participated in the international virtual seminar organized by Perulactea with the lecture entitled “Mycotoxin Control and Management Strategies in Dairy Farms”. During the three-day conference, 15 professionals gave various lectures on the Control and Monitoring of Metabolic Diseases in Dairy Cattle.

The transition from gestation to lactation is probably one of the most critical times in the dairy cow’s production cycle. This period dramatically increases requirements for energy, amino acids, glucose, and other nutrients, meaning that the animals use body reserves to meet targets, such as producing milk.

The occurrence of health problems during transition is a significant threat, thus management through this period is essential to enhance the animal’s ability to respond to these demands. Besides many infectious diseases, milk fever, and ketosis, transition cows are particularly sensitive to fungal spores, molds, and mycotoxins which are major risk factors for subsequent productive and reproductive performance.

Impact of mycotoxin on dairy cattle and humans

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of certain fungi that contaminate feed and can adversely affect animal well-being and performance, thus causing significant economic losses. Furthermore, it is also a hazard to human health since some mycotoxins are secreted in milk, particularly aflatoxin M1 and its metabolites which are classified as carcinogenic compounds.

Properly controlling the harvest and storage conditions are critical factors for reducing mycotoxin contamination in feed. However, these mitigation strategies cannot completely eliminate mycotoxins, therefore the use of feed additives presents a higher level of protection.

Prevention of mycotoxin diseases

Biovet S.A. has been supporting the prevention of mycotoxin diseases for more than 30 years with its product, Alquerfeed Antitox, patented worldwide since 1988. The mycotoxin binder of Biovet is based on Silicoglycidol, a molecule optimized by ionic and thermal treatments, obtaining an improved structure with unique binder properties and high specificity.

Thanks to its optimal absorption surface, it captures all types of mycotoxins at a low dose, preventing damage and absorption of mycotoxins in the digestive tract. It does not interact with other components of the diet, such as vitamins and amino acids. Alquerfeed Antitox has been tested in several research centres and universities which confirmed its effectivity in dairy cattle and other ruminants.