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Efficient hygienic cleaning
Mycotoxin impacts on animal health
MYCOTOXINS are a common concern for feed quality and an- imal safety worldwide.
reoccurrence of chronic infections and even the failure of vaccine pro- grams.
Mycotoxins can exert their effects on animals in many ways – change feeding behaviour, re- duce growth and effi- ciency, alter intestinal structure or function, damage internal organs, affect endocrine system signalling and modify the immune system.
Poor vaccination ef- ficiency can be of con- siderable importance in animal production when vaccination is es- sential for disease pre- vention and control. Growth performance
Mycotoxicosis can negatively impact all stages of animal pro- duction.
Whether it is simply a case of reduced feed intake or a combination of the various effects throughout the body, mycotoxins can have an impact on growth and performance output.
When pigs eat feed containing a harmful mycotoxin, the toxin can affect the pig's cen- tral nervous system, liver, kidney, immune system or reproductive process.
Research has shown that growth perform- ance can be reduced at both lower and higher levels of mycotoxin consumption.
Exposure to myco- toxins can occur as ei- ther a large single dose –acute–orasalesser quantity consumed over time – chronic.
In dairy cows, reduced milk production and quality could be a sign of mycotoxin consump- tion.
To make matters more complicated, multiple mycotoxins can have greater negative effects, with synergistic roles on performance and health.
Mycotoxins can also impact breeding per- formance.
Symptoms of myco- toxicosis are then de- pendent on the type of mycotoxins involved, the concentration and the age or health status of the animal. Gastrointestinal tract
In some cases, the effects on reproduc- tive performance may be caused directly by mycotoxins, such as in the case of zearalenone consumption.
Consumption of my- cotoxins at both lower and higher concentra- tions can significantly impact gastrointestinal health.
However, reproductive changes may also be due to the indirect effects that other mycotoxins have on animal health.
Damage throughout the small intestine can lead to decreased villus height or increased crypt depth, nutrient malabsorption, intes- tinal lesions and even haemorrhaging.
Trichothecene myco- toxins – such as deox- ynivalenol and T2/HT2 toxins – are shown to lower egg production and hatchability rates of poultry, increase the number of stillbirths in pigs and lower preg- nancy rates in dairy cows.
Several mycotoxins are also shown to in- crease the colonisation of pathogens such as salmonella and e coli.
In many cases, the problems associated with mycotoxin-con- taminated feed are not a result of acute contami- nation, but rather due to long-term consumption of low levels of mix- tures of mycotoxins.
Despite having a rumen, ruminant ani- mals are not resistant to mycotoxin effects.
Animals can develop an array of metabolic disturbances that re- sult in poor perform- ance, low productivity, changes in carcass quality, reduced fertility and immune suppres- sion.
Though rumen micro- organisms can degrade some mycotoxins, other mycotoxins can have detrimental effects on these organisms or can pass through without breakdown.
As a result, even low doses of mycotoxins could play a role in rumen and gut health. Immune system
Mycotoxins should thus always be of con- cern to animal pro- ducers, as these con- taminants can signifi- cantly impact animal production and profit- ability.
Mycotoxins can impact the immune system, with the ability to cause both immune stimulation and im- mune suppression de- pending on mycotoxin type and concentration.
To minimise the threat of mycotoxins, feed and animal producers can utilise a range of tech- niques, from testing feedstuffs and feed for mycotoxins to including a broad-spectrum ad- sorbent in the feed, such as Alltech’s Mycosorb A+.
Immune stimula- tion often results in the production of proin- flammatory cytokines, which is an energeti- cally costly process for the animal and may adversely impact per- formance.
More information on mycotoxins is available online at knowmyco toxins.com
Immune suppres- sion is also of concern because it can lead to increased susceptibility to secondary diseases,
Dr Alexandra Weaver Alltech Mycotoxin Management
Reproductive per- formance
Provide support by managing mycotoxins
PRESSURE cleaners and steam cleaners are widely used in piggeries around Australia.
Some farmers like the idea of being able to use hot water or even steam.
motor combinations run- ning at 1450rpm – they provide for a longer and trouble-free operating life.
are aimed at providing the maximum convenience for the operator.
The whole idea is to learn from the industry and ask growers what they need.
Producers understand that high pressure cleaning must be fast, efficient and use less water.
They enjoy the concept of combined cleaning and sterilising capability.
The machines have four- pole 415V or 240V motors, depending on the size.
These include low-water cut-out warning, safety thermostat, timed total stop with automatic shut-down, micro-leak detection, a low fuel sensor with a warning light and 18 litre diesel fuel tank.
The ultimate desire is to give them something better than they could imagine.
Aussie Pumps has devel- oped a range of high-pres- sure steam cleaners, with performance way above that produced by European machines.
Killing potential virus germs in any intense animal husbandry applications is considered essential.
Pistons are solid ce- ramic and pumps are all top-quality ISO 9001 – not knock-offs.
For further informa- tion, including informa- tion on Aussie’s free safety training program, visit aus siepumps.com.au
Aussie Pumps – Aus- tralia’s major manufacturer of high-pressure water blasters – has been working with producers for the past 20 years.
Aussie’s new Admiral 4000 cleaner is a 4000psi steam cleaner with in- creased capability that can produce 130C.
They all come with stain- less-steel covers, replacing the traditional European plastic cover.
This has led to the de- velopment of products that are particularly suitable for stall washdown.
The 4000psi capability means it can move waste and debris fast, creating huge time savings for pro- ducers.
Four wheels, not castors, are included for ease of movement on uneven sur- faces.
Many machines sold dec- ades ago are still working in farms and sheds around Australia and do a great job every day.
That combination of high pressure and 15LPM flow gets the job done faster.
The new Admiral steamer is way ahead of some imports.
The Admiral can save time, water and electricity in the cleaning process.
A steel chassis with bumper is stronger and longer lasting than poly- propylene and is suitable for tough conditions.
Aussie’s hot water ma- chines only come with slow-speed pump and
It features a wide range of protection devices that
Aussie’s Admiral steamers sanitise and clean at the same time!
Diamonds are not a pig’s best friend. Protect your growers from Erysipelas with new Eryvac® E-Oral. No need to work up a sweat individually injecting them, just mass administer via your watering system and let your pigs vaccinate themselves.
To find out more contact your Zoetis representative or contact Zoetis product support for further assistance. Productsupport.au@zoetis.com or 1800 814 883
© 2021 Zoetis Inc. Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. ZL1453, MM-17033
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Australian Pork Newspaper, April 2022 – Page 13