Effects of mycotoxin contaminated feed on production parameters of dairy cows

Based on a feeding trial using 27 lactating "Simmental-cows" the effect of naturally contaminated feed with deoxynivalenol (DON) as well as zearalenone (ZON) regarding production parameters was examined. 3 groups of cows according to lactation number, milk yield (kg ECM) and body mass were used. The average daily intake of DON in group K was 12.4 mg, in group T 14.1 mg and in group M 14.3 mg and ZON ingroup K was 12.4 mg, in group T 0.67 mg and in group M 0.68 mg respectively. The feed of animals of group M was supplemented with "Mycofix Plus" as mycotoxin inactivator. The red and white blood picture including the thrombocytes were in all groups within the normal range. Concerning enzymes (GCT, AP) and metabolites (GLUC, TBIL, UREA, CREA) the mean values of the 3 groups were in the normal range. Slightly increased were the mean values of all groups in respect to the AST- and GLDH-activities. Volatile fatty acids of the rumen content were significantly highest in group, M, also the number of dead rumen infusoria was significantly decreased, but the counts of small sized infusoria increased. The study has shown that "Mycofix Plus" might be able to enhance the activity of rumen flora concerning detoxification of mycotoxins in feed of dairy cows.