Newsletter
Issue 13 Autumn 2015
Latest News First ever speciesspeci�ic range of mycotoxin deactivators Micron Bio-Systems has launched a brand new range of speciesspeci�ic mycotoxin deactivators that have been developed to more accurately target the differing mycotoxin threats and digestive physiology in poultry, swine and ruminants. UltrasorbP (poultry), UltrasorbS (swine) and UltrasorbR (ruminants) are all based on the highly effective Ultrasorb mycotoxin deactivator, and were developed following extensive research into the differing mycotoxin loads faced by individual species and the conditions under which mycotoxin deactivator activity is optimised. “The conditions in the pig’s
stomach and small intestine are very different to those in the rumen, for example, yet mycotoxin deactivators have until now always been developed along a one-size�its-all strategy,” states Micron Bio-Systems Technical Manager Liz Norton. “Modi�ications for different species were limited to simply adjusting dose rate to bodyweight. “But what became clear from our research is that binding material ef�icacy varied considerably at different pHs. As a result, optimum ef�icacy was only achieved if different materials were used for different species.” The mycotoxin threat faced by each species also differs. The Fusarium spp. mycotoxins fumonisin (FUM) and zearalenone (ZON) are acutely toxic to pigs, for example, whilst the a�latoxins (AFT) produced by Aspergillus spp. moulds pose the greatest threat to poultry. Overall susceptibility to mycotoxins in
ruminants is lower because of the partial degradation of mycotoxins in rumen. However, contaminated feed often contains multiple mycotoxins which might lead either to an acute or in low-level consumption over time chronic toxicity in cattle. Moreover, ruminant feed contaminated with AFT poses a risk to human health because it can be transferred to milk. “The new range of Ultrasorb deactivators retain Micron’s core transformation and degradation technology, so continues to be highly effective in tackling the nonpolar mycotoxins like FUM and ZON which are extremely prevalent in all cereal-based livestock feeds,” Ms Norton continues. “They also continue to be effective against the trichothecenes DON and T2 toxin, as well as the AFT and other key mycotoxins damaging to livestock health and performance, such as the ochratoxins (OTA).”
Technical Update UltraSorb R - S - P Why species-speci�ic? There are apparent differences in the susceptibility of livestock to mycotoxins. Certain mycotoxins are more problematic in some species than others. For example, the Fusarium toxins fumonisin (FUM) and zearalenone (ZON) are acutely toxic to pigs. In contrast ZON and FUM are considered to only pose a mild to moderate risk in poultry. However, poultry are particularly susceptible to A�latoxins (AFT) and Ochratoxins (OTA). Ruminants are considered to be more resistant to Impaired rumen function
Immune function
Intestinal haemorrrages
Diarrhoea
Feed intake
Lameness
Feed efficiency
Milk production
Fertility
Mastitis
Swollen hocks Milk contamination
Aflatoxin Liver damage
Skin lesion Kidney damage
Oral lesions
Diarrhoea
Feed refusal
Conception rates/irregular heats
Feed intakes Vomiting Growth/weight gain
Immune suppression
Embryonic loss/abortion/stillborns
Aflatoxin
Fumonisin Zearalenone Trichothecenes Weight gain / growth rate Ochratoxin A (DON / T2)
Feed consumption
Egg production Egg quality
Feed efficiency
Diarrhoea
Vaccine efficacy
Fertility Mortality Liver / kidney damage
Aflatoxin Trichothecenes (DON / T2)
Disease susceptibility
Fumonisin Zearalenone Ochratoxin A
Fig 1: Negative effects of mycotoxins in animals
There is a need to consider the types and the amounts of mycotoxin that each species is likely to be exposed to. Over the last 18 months Micron Bio-Systems has analysed over 300 feed and feed ingredients from across Europe, the Middle East and Russia for 13 of the major mycotoxins. Of these samples 75 ruminant total mixed rations (TMR’s), 30 �inished poultry feeds and 17 �inished pig feeds were analysed. In all feeds only the Fusarium mycotoxins were detected (DON, FUM, ZON, T2 toxin and HT2). Figure 3 summarises the percentage of feed samples each toxin was detected. Figure 3: Mycotoxins detected in feed samples (%) by species 100
80 60
Fumonisin
Trichothecenes Zearalenone (DON Intestinal / T2) haemorrhages
Pulmonary oedema
mycotoxins than monogastric animals because of partial mycotoxin degradation in the rumen. However, because of high consumption of forages, by-products and wet feed ruminants are exposed to broader range of mycotoxins at higher concentrations (Fig 2). Figure 2: Susceptibility of livestock to different mycotoxins
40 20 0
Poultry ZON
Pig T2/HT2
Ruminant FUM
DON
Overall mycotoxins were detected more frequently and at higher levels in poultry feeds and less often and at lower levels in TMR. However this doesn’t necessarily imply that the poultry are more exposed to mycotoxins compared to ruminants as it is also important to consider the differences in the volume of feed that each species consumes. Ultimately all livestock species face chronic exposure to low levels of multiple mycotoxin which can adversely affect production and aside from the types and amounts of mycotoxins present in feed. Finally, the mycotoxin challenge on any one farm is never consistent. Mycotoxin levels and production stress vary from farm-to-farm affecting exposure and susceptibility. Species-speci�ic in-feed solutions are a step forward in mycotoxin remediation but the future lies in customised and bespoke formulations to address individual problems that arise in particular circumstances.
Over the Pond Microbial Management – by Bob Rhoades Silage season is just about behind us. Our efforts as a company to educate our customer base as to the bene�its of microbial management tools in forage preservation, have resulted in a 16% increase in tons treated by Micron for the year. The success of our efforts to manage fermentation and control spoilage of this year’s crop will be realized when we open the storage units and view the ensiled feed.
Microbial Management, however, goes beyond forage preservation. Maintaining healthy, productive animals involves microbial management as well. Understanding the concept of probiosis and the challenges that can in�luence the productivity of animals is key to developing nutraceutical tools and programs designed to preserve the complex balance of micro�lora that inhabit the digestive system and improve animal performance. Micron’s Nutraceutical program revolves around this
Disclaimer: some of the products listed in the article are only available in the American market.
by Micron Bio-Systems Inc. understanding and employs the strategic combination and use of probiotics, prebiotics and other biologically active materials.
• Scavenge oxygen in the rumen • Metabolize lactic acid • Stimulate �iber degrading bacteria • Degrade Zearalenone in the rumen
Micron has developed a range of combination products and quality microbial ingredients that are used to address challenge Combining programs has also situations on farm. The approach been successful when addressing is to: new crop transitions. In addition to UltraCell Farm Pack, many • Provide a rush of bene�icial operations are using Profresh in microorganisms the TMR. The extreme weather • Feed the indigenous condition swings this growing populations of microbes season and the drought in • Stimulate competitive many places during harvest exclusion has resulted in high mold • Bind, degrade and remove populations on the silage. Mold toxins and pathogens related heating and palatability • Heighten the immune system problems can be controlled • Maintain GIT health and with Profresh and the rumen equilibrium equilibrium maintained with UltraCell . Currently, we are having success
on several farms using UltraCell Farm Pack, to help with the transition onto new crop corn silage. Normal expected transition drops in production appear to be reduced and or short in duration. UltraCell Farm Pack, contains Micron’s unique strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae which has the ability to:
Micron is actively reviewing alternatives and developing tools to help manage and improve production and ef�iciency on the farm. Listening to our producers to determine what they facing and what they are trying to achieve, is the most important step to achieving success.
More News 2015 RABDF/NMR Gold Cup winner
New member of the team
Micron would like to congratulate long standing customer and friend of the company Neil Baker who has been awarded the prestigious RABDF/NMR Gold cup for 2015 at the Livestock event at the NEC. Neil has steadily built a world class dairy operation focusing on cow health and comfort to drive production and pro�itability. I am sure Neil would agree that without a talented and highly trained team his results would be unachievable and Rushywood farm truly serves as a wonderful example of our industry.
the �ield of feed additives �irst as a product manager and later on as leader of a technical team. Her expertise includes product management, development of technical teams as well as coordination of research projects.
Livestock Event blog
We would like to welcome Dr Renata Breitsma to the Micron team. Micron has appointed Renata as the Technical Director. Dr Breitsma holds MSc in Veterinary Medicine and PhD in Animal Nutrition. For the past seven years she has worked in
Neil Baker - 2015 RABDF/NMR winner.
We headed to the Midlands and made our way to the NEC. Anyhow we rocked up to �ind our centrepiece stand all shiny and ready for the off. Obviously one of the most important tasks was to work out how to get the beer �lowing for our mammoth lunch on day one. So we made ourselves feel at home, unpacked our literature and iced our Micron branded cakes to entice passing visitors.
The following days were full of grateful customers, fresh faced guests, food, drink and banter. Various distributors attended lunch and gobbled our Cider and draft beer and seemed to be thankful of our hospitality. There was a noticeable reduction in stands, which was a little disappointing, but we soldiered on. We look forward to next year’s event with another tasty lunch, followed by cupcakes!
Upcoming events September 29th - Oct 3rd - World Dairy Expo (Wisconsin, USA) October 7th - South West Dairy Show (Shepton Mallet, UK) November 18th - Agriscot (Edinburgh, UK) December 10th - Royal Ulster Winter Fair (Belfast, Northern Ireland) BFF Business Park, Bath Road Bridgwater, TA6 4NZ, UK Tel: 01278 427272 - Fax: 01278 427273 info@micronbio-systems.co.uk