Newsletters

June, 2005

MOLDS AND MYCOTOXINS
OF CONCERN IN SWINE DIETS

This has been discussed in previous Hormel Feed Newsletters, but is worth a second look. Factors other than variation in nutrient content can affect corn quality and its subsequent feeding value. Under the right growing conditions, certain fungi (molds) and mycotoxins can invade corn and pose potential feeding problems. Mold spores are generally spread by water and air and can come in contact with plants in the field or with corn grain in storage facilities or feeders. Mold or fungi contamination is the cause of reduction in grain storage quality from a grading or marketing standpoint. Consumption of corn grain that contains only fungal growth generally will not harm livestock. Instead, most problems result from consumption of mycotoxins produced from specific fungi growing in corn or mixed diets. Until a laboratory test proves otherwise, the safe approach is to assume mycotoxins are present in grain when mold growth appears.

The fungus that can cause the majority of problems for Midwestern pork producers is Fusarium. Fusarium molds can produce the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) and zearalenone. Cool, wet weather conditions favor Fusarium growth, whereas Aspergillus (mold that produces aflatoxin) grows best in hot, humid weather and more often affects grains grown in the Southeastern U.S. If mycotoxins problems are suspected, it is vital to contact a qualified laboratory and submit corn samples for analysis that best represent the total volume of corn to be fed. The laboratory should include both a qualitative and quantitative analysis for mycotoxins. There is little research data available to tell the exact degree of performance loss that should be expected when varying levels of certain mycotoxins are present in the diet. It is known that quite low levels of mycotoxins can adversely affect swine performance. Recommended maximum concentrations of vomitoxin, zearalenone and aflatoxin in swine diets are present below.

Predicting Dry Matter Intake
In Dairy Cattle

Dry matter intake is the single most important factor affecting milk production. Many things can affect dry matter intake. They can be categorized as dietary, environmental and physiological. Underfeeding can affect health and/or performance while overfeeding can result in increased feed costs. Cows generally consume to meet their energy needs. Fill capacity can limit the cows' ability to consume enough energy.

There are many equations and/or rules of thumb for predicting dry matter intake. Unfortunately, most apply to specific situations. One equation that appears to work over a wider range of situations is:

DMI = 0.02 (BwKg) + 0.33(4% FCM Kg)

BW = Body Weight; FCM = Fat Corrected Milk; Kg = Kilogram; Kg = 2.2 pounds.
An example of the preceding equation is as follows:

Cow weight = 1350 pounds
(1350 / 2.2 = 614 kg)
4% FCM = 70 pounds
(70/2.2 = 32 kg)
- - - - - - -
DMI = .02(614) + .33(32)
DMI = 12.28 + 10.56
DMI = 22.84 Kg
DMI = 2.2 (22.84)
DMI = 50.25 pounds

Dietary factors that can affect dry matter intake include: concentrate level, digestibility, fat effects, forage particle size, forage type, moisture content, neutral detergent fiber and protein content.
Environmental factors include: Barn/bunk design, feeding frequency, photoperiod, and temperature.
Obviously, compounding factors can have an influence on actual dry matter intake. As a result, a knowledge of how the above factors affect dry matter intake should be useful. Actual measurement of dry matter intake is still the best measure.
Ref: 1993 Minnesota Nutrition Conference Proceedings, Pg. 77.
 

PORCINE MEAT & BONE MEAL
CONTINUES TO HAVE A DOLLAR
SAVINGS POTENTIAL IN SWINE DIETS

Porcine meat and bone meal can be a valuable addition to swine diets in terms of both performance and cost. Because of its' unique combination of nutrients it can improve amino acid profiles, increase energy levels and provide an alternative source of minerals. When included in a least cost formulation for pigs from 50 to 260 pounds, there is a potential savings of around $0.72 per ton of complete feed with current markets (6/7/05).

That number was obtained using least-cost diets with a Hormel premix, dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, salt, corn, dehulled soybean meal, 55% porcine meat and bone meal and lysine. Meat and bone meal was limited to a maximum of 5% of the total diet. Such a diet will reduce the amount of dehulled soybean meal, dicalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate used. Lysine and energy levels wee kept the same. Porcine meat and bone meal was trading for $255 per ton picked up at the plant (Austin, MN or Fremont, NE) on June 7, 2005 in semi-load lots.

Dollar Values Used for
Least-Cost Formulas

 
For More Information
Contact:
Hormel Foods Corporation
Feed Division
1 Hormel Place
Austin, MN 55912
PH: 800-533-2228
Website: www.hormelfeeds.com