By Andi Anderson
Michigan's 2023 weather favored Fusarium graminearum, fostering vomitoxin production in grains like corn. Vomitoxin, or deoxynivalenol (DON), affects various grains and poses health risks, particularly in sensitive livestock species like swine.
Livestock, especially breeding stock, can face serious health issues due to high vomitoxin levels, leading to productivity problems and even fetal loss in dairy and beef animals.
Symptoms in animals include temporary nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues, impacting their overall health and feed intake. Safe vomitoxin levels for cattle are critical, even though ruminants are less sensitive compared to non-ruminants.
The FDA sets advisory limits for vomitoxins in livestock feed, urging testing before formulating rations. Research studies at various universities showed limited adverse effects at low levels of vomitoxin in feedlot cattle diets.
Studies observed that certain concentrations of vomitoxin in feed had no significant impact on cattle's growth and health indicators. Feeding contaminated grains to cattle destined for slaughter can be a strategic alternative, preventing a complete grain loss due to contamination.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Michigan, Livestock, Beef Cattle