In the dynamic landscape of beef and dairy production, achieving optimal performance while prioritizing sustainability is paramount. Enter Optigen®, a consistent and reliable source of rumen-available nitrogen developed by Alltech. Optigen is a high-quality nutritional technology that is designed to further advance ruminant nutrition and to address the dual challenges of performance enhancement and environmental stewardship.

Let's explore how Optigen serves as a catalyst for progress in the beef and dairy industries by integrating data and insights from recent research findings.

Maximizing feed efficiency

One of the key pillars of sustainable farming is maximizing feed efficiency. Optigen plays a pivotal role in this endeavor by enhancing diet flexibility thanks to a reduced need for the inclusion of plant protein sources, which helps create space for more energy-dense diets.

According to a meta-analysis conducted by Alltech, the inclusion of Optigen in the diets of dairy cows resulted in a remarkable 23% reduction in the use of plant protein sources. This reduction translates to improved feed conversion rates and reduced feed costs, which helps contribute to the overall profitability of the operation while minimizing the waste of natural resources.

Supporting rumen health

The health of the rumen is crucial for efficient nutrient utilization and animal performance. Optigen supports rumen health by promoting the activity and growth of rumen bacteria. This, in turn, fosters a more sustained availability of ammonia to the rumen environment, ensuring that rumen bacteria have continued access to this essential food source. These improvements encourage more optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients from the diet, leading to enhanced animal performance.

Along with its ability to help optimize rumen function in beef and dairy cattle, Optigen also works to minimize the environmental impact of dairy and beef farming, as it facilitates the more efficient utilization of dietary resources.

Reducing nitrogen excretion

Excessive nitrogen excretion poses a significant environmental challenge in dairy and beef production systems. Optigen addresses this issue by improving dietary nitrogen efficiency, thereby helping to reduce the excretion of nitrogen into the environment by livestock.

In one recent study, the utilization of Optigen in dairy diets led to a 4% increase in nitrogen utilization efficiency, which resulted in a 14% reduction in the total carbon footprint of milk production diets. This reduction in nitrogen excretion not only helps mitigate the environmental impact of beef and dairy farming but also aligns with widespread regulatory standards and the shared goal of improving sustainability in agriculture.

Promoting balanced diets

Well-balanced diets are essential for optimizing animal health and minimizing the environmental footprint of beef and dairy operations. Optigen enables the formulation of more balanced, lower-protein diets without compromising performance. One meta-analysis of beef production, for example, showed that the partial replacement of vegetable protein with Optigen resulted in an 8% increase in liveweight gain and feed efficiency. This highlights the potential of Optigen to promote sustainable beef production while reducing the environmental footprint of feedlot operations.

Utilizing Optigen to achieve more sustainable livestock production

Optigen serves as a unique innovation in the realm of livestock nutrition, offering producers a holistic solution for enhancing both the performance of their animals and the sustainability of their farming practices. By maximizing feed efficiency, supporting rumen health and reducing nitrogen excretion, Optigen empowers producers to achieve their production goals while minimizing their environmental impact. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, Optigen remains at the forefront of innovation, driving positive, long-term change towards a more sustainable future for livestock farming.

About the author: 

Tien Le earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my cattle. 

Traditionally, hog prices follow seasonal patterns, with annual highs in the summer and lows in the fall and winter. This phenomenon is driven by multiple factors, which include:

• higher pork demand in summer, for grilling and outdoor activities
• decreased breeding and farrowing performances observed during hot months, known as seasonal infertility syndrome
• lower voluntary feed intake in all pig categories during heat stress periods, resulting in slower growth

In summer, the presence of additional environmental stressors, including heat, can severely impact growth performance. Of course, we must ensure that animals are constantly supplied with fresh water during this time. But nutrition also plays a surprisingly pivotal role in preventing the problems associated with heat stress.

During the hotter months, grow-finish pigs in particular significantly decrease voluntary feed intake. Therefore, if the objective is to take advantage of summer markets, nutritionists must carefully re-balance the nutrient composition to meet specific requirements at different stages of growth, considering the changes in feed intake. This includes optimizing levels of energy, amino acids and minerals to support healthy growth, efficient feed utilization and overall well-being.

Nutritional strategies such as adjustments to dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), soybean meal, fat, and feed additives are all proven to help maximize growth and performance for pigs marketed in summer. By lowering DDGS and increasing corn, we can increase the net energy of the diet and ensure that pigs are getting adequate nutrition, even given a decrease in feed intake. As with DDGS, it’s advised to offset soybean meal with an increase in synthetic amino acids. Pigs fed high-crude-protein diets tend to have higher heat increment levels, and this is counterproductive, especially during the hotter months.

Additionally, incorporating fats or oils into pig diets can create a more energy-dense feed, reducing the overall amount of feed required to meet pigs’ requirements for optimal growth. A rule of thumb nutritionists use to determine whether fat prices into rations is whether fat is four times or less than the price of corn. Although a simplistic approach, it can give a quick idea around the economics of fat. More complex economic models have been developed and are available for in-depth analysis.

Fat can improve feed efficiency in grow-finish pigs any time of year, but it is typically most cost-effective when fed in the summer, when pigs tend to eat less. On average, feed efficiency is improved by 2% for each 1% increment of added fat. Although this is significantly more variable, improvements in average daily gain may also be increased by 1% for each 1% addition of fat.

In addition to adjusting macronutrients, we can use feed additives to enhance growth performance during summer-induced heat stress. For instance, the inclusion of tribasic copper chloride in grow-finish diets has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, yielding higher hot-carcass weights, average daily gain and feed intake, all of which are pivotal in the summer. Some supplements available from Hubbard, like Assist™ and Opti-Pak® Efficiency, have been shown to enhance growth performance by optimizing pH levels in the digestive tract and augmenting nutrient utilization.

It takes pigs roughly 115 to 120 days to grow from 50 to 280 lb. Therefore, to capitalize on the profits of the summer markets, we must consider grow-finish diet modifications starting as early as February.

A variety of beneficial feed additives is available in the marketplace. Consult with your nutritionist to identify the most suitable feed additives for your specific needs.

Nutritional values of ingredients

Accurate nutrient values for ingredients are paramount in formulating swine diets that precisely meet the nutritional requirements of pigs. Each ingredient contributes differently to the overall nutrient profile, and variations in nutrient content can significantly impact pig performance and diet cost. If we overestimate or underestimate the value of an ingredient, we can miss that optimal market window and face discounts at the packing plant. Relying on precise nutrient values ensures that diets are formulated correctly, promoting optimal growth rate, feed efficiency and diet costs.

Routine sampling and testing of raw ingredients helps provide us with accurate nutrient values and allows nutritionists to adjust nutrient loadings as needed. For example, if a nutritionist is using soybean meal (SBM) with a crude protein level listed at 48% in the ingredient profile, but the actual crude protein content is 46%, the discrepancy could cost producers an extra ~$0.20 per pig in feed costs to feed a pig from 50 to 280 lb., due to the inaccuracies of the ingredient profile. This decrease in crude protein could also decrease growth performance and disrupt the ideal window for marketing.

If nutritionists have the correct nutrient loadings for each ingredient, they can predict pig performance (ADG and F/G) more accurately. This allows for ongoing nutritional adjustments that will support the pigs in reaching the desired market weight within the optimal timeframe. This not only maximizes profitability but also minimizes production costs associated with extended time in the barn.

With the help of feed formulation technology, the nutrient profiles of ingredients can be uploaded, along with growth prediction equations, in order to more precisely formulate least-cost rations to maximize economic and sustainability metrics. Instead of just using a standard ingredient for all pigs, we can formulate diets to maximize producer profitability as a result of targeted and predictable animal performance.

About the author

Morgan Hart is a swine nutritionist for the Swine Technical Team at Hubbard Feed, an Alltech company. 

At a young age, Morgan realized she wanted to have a career working with animals. She was always volunteering to bring animals into her home, whether her mother approved of it or not. During high school she spent time raising ducks and rabbits for the county Fair but didn’t get involved with pigs until college. Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s in monogastric nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Morgan likes to say she didn’t choose pigs. Pigs chose her. During college, Morgan spent time working for numerous university research labs that focused on using swine as a biomedical model for human disease. Her commercial swine experience consists of working at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Livestock Lab, Swine Teaching Center, and interning with Iowa Select Farms. After college, Morgan was a farm manager for a small biotech pig operation in Wisconsin before starting her position at Protekta Inc as a monogastric specialist. After that, she joined the Swine Technical Team at Hubbard Feeds as a swine nutritionist.

Morgan grew up in southern Wisconsin, where she and her husband currently reside with their daughter. Her hobbies outside of work include training and competing in triathlons, enjoying outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and dogs.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my pig herd. 

Trace minerals such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are essential for growth, development and health. They participate in many metabolic pathways and physiological functions, including reproduction, growth, immunity, bone formation and energy metabolism (Dieck et al., 2003; Bao et al., 2007; Dibner et al., 2007).

For the most part, recommendations for supplementing these essential nutrients have been based on Nutrient Requirements of Poultry, issued by the National Research Council (NRC). This has been a valuable tool to the global poultry industry. However, with the latest edition published now more than 20 years ago, it is out of date in regard to levels and types of mineral supplementation. The high inclusion rates that it recommends, typically utilizing inorganic trace mineral sources including sulfates, oxides and hydroxy-type products, were intended as a safety net to avoid deficiency symptoms, due to the low bioavailability typically associated with inorganic sources (Vieira et al., 2020). In fact, many producers are even overshooting the NRC recommendations, supplementing inorganic minerals at two to ten times the suggested levels (Aksu et al., 2010).

However, advances in research, genetics and production systems in the intervening decades have shed new light on this topic. According to Applegate and Angel (2014), our perception of nutrient supplementation has shifted from simply preventing deficiency to a larger purpose of optimizing growth or egg production response per unit of nutrient intake.

And we now know that we can achieve these higher goals with lower inclusion rates, as long as we are choosing optimal forms of the supplements we feed. Aksu et al. (2010) reported that antagonisms of dietary inorganic trace minerals not only result in decreased absorption but, at the high inclusion rates commonly used today, they can also result in higher excretion in manure. For this and other reasons, supplementation at these high levels is detrimental to the environment. This realization is increasingly reflected in industry regulations; for example, inclusion rates of Cu and Zn in monogastric diets are now regulated by many EU and Asian countries.

All of this emphasizes the need to consider alternative strategies when it comes to trace mineral supplementation.

Several studies suggest that organic, or chelated, forms of trace minerals are more bioavailable than their inorganic counterparts. Thus, when provided in the organic form, concentrations of trace minerals such as Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn can be reduced while achieving the same, or even better, effects on growth and performance as the recommended doses of their inorganic forms (Brennan et al., 2013). 

The question is, how much lower can we go when supplementing with organic trace minerals?

Organic trace minerals

The term “organic trace mineral” refers to any metal ion that is bound, complexed or chelated to a carbon-containing molecule, an organic ligand. However, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) points out that, based on the production process and the type of ligand used, organic trace minerals can be further classified into more specific categories.

Just as there are fundamental differences between inorganic and organic sources, there can also be significant differences between types within the organic category. This indicates the need for product-specific research as well as product-specific recommendations, since the degree to which the organic ligands remain bound to the metals under physiological conditions can differ from product to product, even within the same product category or classification.

The difference in stability and rate of disassociation, or separation, can also potentially explain the varying supplementation strategies proposed by the multiple companies that produce the different trace mineral products.

Even though partial replacement strategies (typically, replacing a certain amount of inorganic trace minerals with an equal or lower amount of organic trace minerals) are currently more popular, mostly due to cost, there is growing interest in total replacement strategies such as the Total Replacement Technology (TRT™) proposed by Alltech. These strategies involve the complete replacement of inorganic forms with organic ones at lower levels. In the case of TRT, these organic trace minerals are provided via Alltech’s Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® nutritional technologies.

Recommendations for organic vs. inorganic trace minerals

The fourth edition of the Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine, issued in 2017 by the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil, recognized that with growing knowledge of the benefits of organic trace mineral sources, and with the growing commercial availability of new supplements, nutritionists increasingly have the option to choose between organic and inorganic supplementation.

The 2017 Brazilian tables, in fact, feature separate sets of recommendations based on mineral form. Based on these recommendations, supplementation with organic sources can be done at much lower levels (50–70% lower) than with inorganic sources.  

This approach has also been validated by several university studies. Vieira et al. (2020) evaluated the effects of organic vs. inorganic trace minerals in diets fed to 1-day-old male broiler chicks. Two sources of supplemental trace minerals (inorganic and organic, with Bioplex metal proteinates as the organic source) at four levels of supplementation (12.5%, 25%, 37.5% or 50%), plus a positive control containing inorganic trace minerals at 100% of recommended levels according to Brazilian industry standards, were used in the diets.

The authors reported the following findings:

• Broilers fed organic forms had better feed conversion (FCR) throughout the trial (1.754 organic vs. 1.783 inorganic; P<0.05), improved livability (95.8% organic vs. 93.6% inorganic; P<0.05) and higher weight gain at 48 days (3.941 kg organic vs. 3.881 kg inorganic; P<0.05).
• At lower dietary inclusion levels (12.5% and 25%), the birds fed organic trace minerals had a four-point improvement in FCR (P<0.05).
• The lower levels of organic trace minerals in feed reduced the mineral concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mn in the feces and litter (P<0.05).

Also, in a recent meta-analysis, the authors analyzed over 32 studies to examine the impact of organic trace minerals (provided via Bioplex) on the production performance and egg quality attributes of laying hens. They reported that overall inclusion of organic trace minerals (Bioplex Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe) not only had a positive impact on performance and overall egg quality but also contributed to a lower carbon footprint, improving the overall sustainability of egg production.

The impact of nutrition on performance of breeders in terms of body weight profile, egg production, egg size and shell quality, mortality, fertility and hatchability has also been well documented. Several studies have reported a positive impact when using organic trace minerals, even at lower levels, especially in regard to hatchability and chick quality.

Thus we see that utilizing a total replacement approach, even at very low levels of supplementation, can provide poultry producers with a cost-effective and sustainable approach that can maintain or even improve performance while reducing harmful trace mineral excretions.

Conclusion

The need for alternative, sustainable trace mineral strategies is becoming increasingly more urgent. Besides the inefficiency and potential environmental impact of oversupplying poultry diets with excessively high levels of inorganic trace minerals, the negative impact of these higher inclusion rates on other dietary ingredients, including enzymes and vitamins, cannot be overlooked.

Many studies and recommendations on partial or total replacement of inorganic trace minerals with highly bioavailable organic trace minerals are product-specific, reflecting that due to differences in stability and relative bioavailability, not all sources will perform equally. Still, as more producers explore, develop and adopt organic options around the world — especially where environmental concerns prevail — we are learning more about these variations and about the benefits of replacing inorganic trace minerals with their organic counterparts.

To learn more about Alltech’s organic trace minerals, please contact your local Alltech sales representative or email poultry@alltech.com.

References available upon request.

About the author:

Laurentia van Rensburg is the global head of commercial (nutrition), Technology Group at Alltech. Prior to this role, she was the technical mineral manager for the Alltech Mineral Management platform. Laurentia has more than 15 years of experience in the livestock and animal science industries and has served in various roles in South Africa, the Netherlands, Latin America and North America.

Originally from South Africa, Laurentia earned a master's degree in animal science from the University of Kentucky.

 I want to learn more about nutrition for poultry. 

In a recent webinar to launch the 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis, our experts shared the following insights during the Q&A session:

1. What specific strategies can livestock/feed producers and crop farmers employ to control mycotoxins in their feed?

Pre-harvest:

• Fungus-resistant crops: Develop crop varieties that are resistant to fungal infestations.
• Field management: Control fungal infections during crop growth.
• Moisture control: Maintain a low moisture content in seeds during storage.
• Temperature: Store commodities at lower temperatures when possible.
• Fungicides and preservatives: Use various solutions to help inhibit fungal growth.

Post-harvest:

• Drying and storage: Maintain optimal drying and storage conditions to prevent fungal growth.
• Mold inhibition: A variety of solutions, including Mold-Zap®, are available to help reduce mold levels in stored grains.

The right combination of mitigation and control strategies is essential to effectively combat the mycotoxin threat. Some strategies have to do with management; for instance, suitable pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest schedules are helpful. Other strategies rely on new innovations such as mycotoxin binders. A broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder such as Alltech’s Mycosorb®, which is based on leading-edge yeast cell wall extract (YCWE) technology, can be a game-changer, adsorbing numerous mycotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract simultaneously.

Adding to their efficacy, Mycosorb and other Alltech mycotoxin technologies are constantly being updated to reflect new research findings and to target new, emerging mycotoxins.

2. Does Alltech’s mycotoxin data include information about grains that have been genetically modified? If so, to what degree does mycotoxin contamination impact genetically modified crops/grains?

• Agricultural biotechnology has made notable advances in reducing mycotoxins over the past few years. While transgenic Bt corn (corn that has been genetically engineered to contain Bacillus thuringiensis) has been known for years to reduce the threat of the mycotoxin fumonisin, new studies have revealed its ability to combat aflatoxin as well. Other transgenic and RNA-interference corn hybrids specifically target mycotoxin reduction, and gene editing through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has focused on preventing mycotoxin biosynthesis (Wu et al., 2022).
• Analyses of GMO crops are certainly included in Alltech’s database — but most of the time, the producers who submit samples do not specify whether or not their crops are genetically modified. As such, we cannot generate statistics that fully answer that question.

3. How has the methodology behind Alltech’s mycotoxin assessments changed with the increasing unpredictability of adverse weather conditions and recent geopolitical events?

We are always working hard to implement the most up-to-date analytical methods for as many mycotoxins as possible in our service portfolio. The Alltech 37+® methodology is continuously evolving; we are currently lowering our limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) levels and are also adding new mycotoxins to the panel of toxins analyzed by the lab. Alltech® RAPIREAD™ is another valuable asset, providing quick insight into mycotoxin risks on-farm so that producers can continually protect their feeds.

4. How accurate is Alltech’s risk equivalent quantity (REQ), and why is it a useful tool?

Alltech’s REQ is a calculation used to assess the risk of multiple mycotoxin challenges. The logic behind maintaining an REQ is that this number can help us better understand the threat these mycotoxins, both individually and in combination, pose to animal performance and health. With this knowledge in hand, producers can make better management decisions on-farm.

5. Some farms utilize mycotoxin binders or mold inhibitors. Are any of these solutions made specifically for sows? If so, how should they be offered to help reduce the number of sow abortions, stillbirths and weak piglets?

As breeding animals, sows can benefit from being offered Mycosorb A+®. If clinical signs of mycotoxin contamination appear, we recommend utilizing a treatment dosage of 1.5–2 kg/ton, and we also recommend testing the sow feed through the Alltech 37+ lab as soon as possible.

6. How often should I be sampling incoming grains with rapid test kits?

Regularly and routinely testing each new batch of feed entering the feed mill or farm is important. We also recommend testing raw materials again if they have been stored for a while, as the mycotoxin profile can change over time. To mitigate mycotoxin contamination during storage, we recommend using liquid mold inhibitors for raw materials and dry mold inhibitors for finished feeds.

Feed mills sometimes use stale grains, which are more likely to be contaminated with mold and bacteria than other raw materials are. Testing through Alltech RAPIREAD and/or the Alltech 37+ laboratory is crucial here, and we recommend testing these types of high-risk ingredients more often.

7. What is the lowest inclusion rate you recommend when using a mycotoxin binder?

The lowest inclusion rate recommended for Mycosorb A+ and Mycosorb® LR is 0.5 kg/ton or 10 g/cow/day.

8. How quickly does Alltech update its mycotoxin risk data if a major global event disrupts grain shipments?

We prioritize prompt response to field challenges and other potential obstacles. With a network of over 37 laboratories worldwide, we can ensure expedited delivery of results. To bolster our capacity for swift mycotoxin risk assessment, we've deployed over 200 Raptor® test machines globally; these yield results within a mere 15 minutes. Additionally, in the event of supply chain disruptions, our globally distributed local teams are poised to swiftly employ rapid testing methods to assist customers.

9. The threat of mycotoxins is always present. Besides adsorbents, what other products are effective at combatting the intestinal damage and immunosuppression caused by mycotoxins?

We recommend Sel-Plex®, Actigen® and Yea-Sacc® to counteract mycotoxin damage and maximize health and productivity overall.

10. What is the best solution for controlling deoxynivalenol (DON)?

It’s important to realize that DON is only one mycotoxin of many that may be present in feed. Its metabolic activity and impact on animal health and productivity will very much depend on whether other mycotoxins are present. The best strategy is prevention. First, conduct mycotoxin testing to assess risk, and avoid giving feeds that are highly contaminated with DON to your animals. Then employ a mycotoxin binder, which can reduce the risk by approximately 70%. Alltech’s Mycosorb line of solutions includes multi-mycotoxin binders that can bind a wide range of mycotoxins, including DON.

11. What is the best method for correctly collecting and testing samples, and how frequently should sampling and testing take place?

For best results, follow Alltech's guide to best-practice sampling techniques for mycotoxin testing. Contact your Alltech sales representative for a copy of the guide.

For more information about mycotoxins and how to address the mycotoxin threat for your business, please get in touch with our team. You can also find resources at knowmycotoxins.com.

Mycotoxins in feed pose a serious threat to animal health and productivity. These compounds, though often invisible, can wreak havoc on multiple organ systems, diminishing liver and kidney function, fertility, immune response, feed intake and average daily gain.

A recent publication authored by Dr. Alexandra Weaver, Dr. Daniel Weaver, Nick Adams and Dr. Alexandros Yiannikouris used a technique of meta-analysis with meta-regression to examine the detrimental effects of mycotoxin challenges in growing pigs. This meta-analysis closely examined the use of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE), as found in Alltech’s Mycosorb®, to mitigate these challenges.

What are meta-analysis and meta-regression?

A meta-analysis is a statistical technique used in research to combine and analyze the results from multiple independent studies on a particular topic. This provides a more comprehensive and reliable overview of the evidence. The process involves literature reviews, the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, statistical analysis, and interpretation of the results. Meta-analyses are particularly useful when individual studies may have limitations, or when there is a need for a more robust understanding.

Meta-regression is a process often used in meta-analysis to explore and quantify the relationship between study characteristics and the observed effects across a set of studies. This can help identify sources of variability and assess whether certain factors may be influencing the overall treatment effects observed.

Impacts of mycotoxins on pigs

Pigs are one of the most sensitive species when it comes to the impact of mycotoxins on health, development and productivity. The type and concentration of these toxins in the feed, along with the age and production phase of the pig, determine the degree to which the animals are affected. Young pigs and breeding sows/boars are generally the most susceptible.

Some common mycotoxins affecting pigs include:

• Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus fungi, aflatoxins can damage the liver. They may also suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to disease, and lead to reduced growth rates and impaired reproductive performance. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is particularly harmful to pigs.
• Deoxynivalenol (DON): Deoxynivalenol primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. Pigs exposed to DON may experience reduced feed intake, vomiting, diarrhea and impaired nutrient absorption. Chronic exposure can lead to poor growth performance.
• Zearalenone (ZEA): Often seen as the mycotoxin that causes the most damage, zearalenone can disrupt reproductive function in pigs. It can induce swelling and reddening of the vulva, leading to false heats and false pregnancy. When pregnancy does occur, sows experience more abortions and stillbirths.
• Ochratoxins: These can impair kidney function, with chronic exposure potentially leading to kidney damage and reduced growth rates.
• Fumonisins (FUM): Fumonisins are associated with several health issues, including liver and kidney damage. They have also been shown to increase the severity of diseases such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and to decrease resistance against pathogens such as E. coli.
• T2-HT2 toxins: These belong to the trichothecene group of mycotoxins produced by certain species of Fusarium fungi. They are also known to have significant impacts on animal health when present in feed.

In addition, more mycotoxins are constantly being identified by researchers, and many of these may be frequent contaminants of feedstuffs as well.

Study findings at a glance

The meta-analysis reveals a significant correlation between mycotoxin exposure and diminished performance in growing pigs. Even when mycotoxin levels were below EU/US regulatory guidelines, the average daily gain (ADG) dropped by 79 grams. Notably, when at least one mycotoxin exceeded regulatory limits, the loss in ADG increased to 85 grams, accompanied by a significant reduction in average daily feed intake (ADFI), at 166 grams.

Assessment of a summary of results from 30 different treatments shows that the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE) during mycotoxin challenges can boost ADG. Pigs fed YCWE during challenges below regulatory guidelines exhibited a significantly higher ADG, by 48 grams, compared to those fed mycotoxins alone. Even at higher mycotoxin challenge levels, when YCWE was included, there was both an increase in ADG and a tendency for an increase in ADFI.

Implications for pig producers

Understanding the potential impact of mycotoxins on pig performance is crucial. For pig producers, this meta-analysis — showing that even when these toxins fall below regulatory guidelines, there is a discernible reduction in growth performance — has significant implications, offering actionable insights to protect and even enhance animal health and performance by using solutions such as YCWE.

In summary

This research not only sheds light on the adverse effects of mycotoxin challenges on pig health and pig production but also emphasizes the potential of YCWE supplementation in overcoming them. YCWE emerges as a promising solution, offering a pathway to enhance pig performance and mitigate the impacts of mycotoxin exposure.

As we continue to navigate the intricate landscape of pig nutrition, these insights will prompt us to reconsider our strategies in the face of this growing threat.

Discover more content:

Recognizing the warning signs of mycotoxins in pigs

Uncovering the mycotoxin risk in straw

Mycotoxin control: A view from the field

The relationship between mycotoxins and pathogens in pigs

About the author:

Dr. Alexandra Weaver obtained her master’s degree and Ph.D. in animal science and nutrition from North Carolina State University under the direction of Dr. Sung Woo Kim. Her dissertation is entitled “The impact of mycotoxins on growth and health of swine,” which investigated the effects of mycotoxins on the performance, immunity, oxidative stress, gut health and reproductive capacity of pigs. She has published multiple research articles in several journals, including the Journal of Animal Science. In 2013, Weaver joined the Alltech^® Mycotoxin Management team. In this role, she helps producers and nutritionists of all species understand and manage mycotoxins.

Twenty-four journalists from 15 countries recently ventured to the south of Spain with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) to explore the agricultural operations that make that region unique. The crown jewel of the press trip was a visit to the Olivarera de Los Pedroches Cooperative, or Olipe, where organic olive oil producers are collaborating with Alltech Crop Science to make their farms more environmentally and economically sustainable.

Outstanding olive oil in the spotlight

Pozoblanco, Cordoba — where the Olipe cooperative is headquartered — was uncharacteristically gloomy during the IFAJ trip, but the journalists remained eager to learn about the olives grown in this mountainous region. Spain produces approximately 50% of the world’s olive oil, and this region is particularly well-known for its long tradition of olive oil production thanks to its climate and topography, which are perfect for olive cultivation.  

Representatives of the Olipe co-op were also proud to explain to the journalists that the olive oil produced in southern Spain features the highest level of polyphenols of any olive oil in the world. Since polyphenols have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this outstanding characteristic has brought olive oil cooperatives like Olipe to the attention of major brands — including L’Oreal, which sources olive oil from the cooperative to be used in its cosmetic products.

Making positive change through a Planet of Plenty partnership

Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science (ACS) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, discusses the olives grown at the Olipe co-op, which is partnering with ACS to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of ag production.

While Olipe has already achieved great success, the region’s olive farmers want to improve their operations even more while remaining environmentally sustainable — and Alltech Crop Science intends to help them do just that.

Alltech Crop Science has established a Planet of Plenty partnership with Olipe to develop an ambitious five-year plan that includes soil analysis and research studying the process of growing olives in the Los Pedroches region. The results of those studies will allow Ideagro and Alltech Crop Science to formulate custom solutions for Olipe that will help enhance sustainable olive production in Spain.

The IFAJ cohort heard from Francisco Gálvez, project manager for olive and almond farming for Alltech Crop Science in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Liana Dobler, Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese communications manager, who shared details about several of the other initiatives that will be explored through this partnership, including:

• the production of organic compost from mill waste
• utilizing olive pits in the manufacture of plastic-substitute products
• the validation of olive oil with a high oleocanthal content and a high polyphenol index

Notably, Alltech Crop Science has committed to covering all costs related to the monitoring and experimentation processes underway at Olipe through this partnership. Alltech Crop Science will also help distribute the olive oil produced through the co-op internationally. Olipe, on the other hand, will invest the profits that result from this project in training and educational activities that will help attract and keep olive farmers in the Los Pedroches region.  

Sharing the recipe for success

Throughout the IFAJ’s press trip to Olipe, the co-op’s olive farmers were excited to discuss how they’re working to make agricultural production more sustainable and more profitable — and the journalists in attendance are eager to help tell that story to the world.

“For the Olivarera Los Pedroches Cooperative, this type of visit serves as a platform to let everyone know about the incredible projects they are carrying out,” said Gálvez of Alltech Crop Science.  

“We all enjoyed the visit to cooperative,” said Lena Johansson, president of the IFAJ. “It’s always more interesting and useful for journalists to see things on-site than on PowerPoint slides.”

The journalists will continue sharing what they learned first-hand about olive oil production in southern Spain with readers across the globe — including those with no connection to agriculture, who will likely be fascinated to learn how olive farmers are contributing to economic, environmental and social sustainability. 

About the author:

Liana Dobler is Alltech’s Spanish and Portuguese Communications Manager globally. She is responsible for communications strategy, including content management and social media, for all Spanish and Portuguese stakeholders.
 
Liana has been with Alltech for 17 years, beginning as a sales assistant in Alltech Brazil. Her journey later led her to Alltech Argentina where she served in a regional capacity as Latin America Communications Manager. Liana relocated to Spain in 2022.

Health issues can result in significant economic losses for cattle producers. By taking a proactive approach to preventing health problems, producers can reduce monetary loss associated with treating sick animals.

Meeting cattle’s nutritional requirements is the first step. The second step is maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract (gut). With 70% of the immune system being located within the gut, it plays a crucial role in animal health. With this knowledge, we can develop proactive supplementation strategies to prevent animal health issues before they become a problem.

Dietary nutrients required to maximize immune health

For an animal to respond properly to an immune challenge, we must meet the nutrient requirements needed for the immune system to function optimally, including dietary protein, energy, vitamins and minerals.

Protein and energy are required in the largest quantities. Protein provides the necessary amino acids needed for production of immune proteins such as cytokines and also antibodies that mediate immune response. Energy is required for every system in the body, but an immune challenge increases energy demand. Therefore, enough dietary protein and energy must be available for the animal to both meet its maintenance requirements and respond to a health issue.

Micronutrients such as copper, zinc, selenium and vitamins E and A are also necessary for proper immune function. They are important components of the antioxidant system, and they are required for enzymes to function properly in the immune system. The forms in which copper, zinc and selenium are supplemented play a role in how well the minerals are utilized. Alltech offers two solutions in the ideal forms for mineral uptake and efficacy:

• Bioplex® trace minerals, including copper, zinc, manganese, and cobalt, are part of the Alltech mineral management program. Bioplex minerals are trace minerals that are bound to amino acids and a range of peptides. They are easily absorbed and readily metabolized, optimizing immune health and thus improving performance.
• Sel-Plex® is Alltech’s proprietary organic form of selenium. The selenium in Sel-Plex supports metabolic processes, acts as an antioxidant, supports against infection, and boosts overall immune health.

Benefits of a healthy gut

Much focus has been aimed at maintaining rumen health. Although the rumen of cattle is the main site for microbial fermentation and energy production, the entire digestive tract needs to be considered when discussing gut health.

The small and large intestines contain a single lining of cells protecting the body from infection, and this lining is susceptible to damage when the gut is unhealthy. A healthy microbial ecosystem aids in maintaining the gut lining. In addition to digestion, absorption and production of nutrients, gut microbiota contribute to regulation of energy homeostasis, prevention of mucosal infections and modulation of the immune system. A healthy gut microbial ecosystem and lining will prevent colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium and coccidia. Preventing damage to the gut lining will prevent pathogenic bacteria, toxins and other harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. This reduces the animal’s susceptibility to diseases such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

What causes gut damage, and how can it be prevented?

Many factors can compromise gut health. The main ones are associated with periods of stress. This can include illness or injury, weaning, transportation, challenged feedstuffs, weather, feed changes, poor management, and quality of feed and water. In addition, disturbances in gut microbiota can have severe effects on the digestive system, including metabolic disorders such as bloat, ruminal acidosis and scours. These can have profound effects on health.

The right feed additives, supplied in the most effective forms, can make all the difference in protecting gut health. Alltech’s leading-edge research and technology is the basis for the Alltech Gut Health Management program, which includes such solutions as:

• Bio-Mos 2®, a unique product derived from a select strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast using Alltech’s proprietary process. Bio-Mos 2 promotes beneficial bacteria and builds natural defenses, helping to build a foundation for performance by reinforcing a healthy gut microbiome without antibiotics at all stages of production.
• Integral A+® protects animal health, performance and reproduction during feedstuff challenges caused by molds and toxins, which are increasingly common — and increasingly dangerous — due to more extreme weather patterns and changing agricultural practices.

Summary

The best way to support animal health and productivity is to be proactive, not reactive. Preventing health problems before they occur starts with providing the nutrients necessary for immune function, in a form the animal can metabolize. This should be followed by supplementation with feed additives that aid in maintaining gut health.

About the author:

Dr. Cadra Krueger is a territory sales manager for Kansas and Colorado at Alltech. In that role, she focuses on all aspects of beef nutrition, from cow/calf production to growing/finishing feedlots, and provides guidance about sales, nutrition and management to help producers and feed mills reach their ultimate production goals.

Cadra has been involved in the cattle industry since she was 10 years old, when she first began raising and showing cattle in 4-H and helping her younger siblings with their show calves. While pursuing her graduate degrees, she managed the Beef Cattle Research Center at Kansas State University. She previously served as a beef nutritionist for Hubbard Feeds before joining the Alltech beef team.

Cadra holds a bachelor's degree in equine science from Colorado State University and master's and doctoral degrees in ruminant nutrition from Kansas State University. In her free time, she enjoys riding horses and spending time with family and friends.

I want to learn more about nutrition for beef cattle.

As we enter 2024, the talk among economists and producers seems to center around the decreasing beef cow herd. The 28.2 million head of beef cows posted in the USDA biannual cattle inventory report is the smallest in decades. When considering factors like feed and equipment cost, supplemental nutrition and mineral decisions, continued dry and drought conditions in many areas, regional lack of feed inventory, age of the average producer, complex considerations in herd management decisions, and elevated interest rates, we need to consider: Is that cow number only going to get smaller?

2023 saw higher prices — at record or near-record levels — for feeder cattle and calves, along with cull cows and bulls selling for over $1 per pound. Some producers are sharing that they are getting more for their cull cows than those cows originally cost. And, with the smaller cow herd leading to tighter feeder cattle numbers, some are predicting even higher prices this year and for years to come.

The key to success during this uncertain time is getting the information you need to make savvy decisions about the health and productivity of your herd.

Could there be an opportunity for the herd to expand?

Could the prediction of higher prices change the tides? With the current costs of production, the outlook for higher prices has some producers thinking that there is opportunity and it may be time to expand their herds.

The conversation with these producers tends to lead to important questions:

• Should I keep my heifer calves back this year and develop my own?
• Should I wait that long?
• Should I buy bred cows or bred heifers now?
• Should I wait and buy higher-priced pairs right before grass turnout?
• Should I do some or all of the above?

As they start to find answers for what will work best for their financial, labor and feed situations, and what makes sense for their facilities and land base usage, I offer a few things to consider.

Is it a cost or an investment?

What is your mindset when it comes to deciding to purchase cows or heifers versus developing your own? Are you looking at that animal as a cost or as an investment? There’s a big difference. Cost is simply the amount paid to buy something, but investment is the action of paying money today in order to reap greater rewards later. Producers often look at these herd decisions as simply a cost instead of an investment, but if you invest in that cow or heifer today, she may give you back more in the long run.

A few questions to ask yourself:

• Is the cow or heifer the better investment to maintain your cow herd and keep production high?
• Is your supplementation program, including minerals, a cost or an investment?
• Do you know the return on a given bag of mineral?
• If you don’t currently supplement with minerals, would adding that to your nutritional program pay off well?
• If you are already supplementing, would a better-quality mineral and/or a year-round program return you more?
• What about protein supplementation when appropriate?
• Is your vaccine program up to date? Could an updated program pay dividends later?

Good supplementation is an investment — and a worthy one

Fetal programming research shows that cow nutrition and mineral status can directly impact the longevity and productiveness of offspring. A good mineral program for the cow herd contributes to more productive and profitable heifers that stay in the cow herd longer. The data shows that a heifer whose dam received a good mineral program year-round tends to reach puberty earlier, breed earlier in the cycle, and stay in the cow herd longer.

As you look to invest up to $3,000 for a commercially bred heifer, consider this:

• Do you know how the dam of that heifer was supplemented and what she was supplemented with?
• Was the heifer given the best opportunity from the start to work for you?
• Will she be ideally equipped to breed back, and to do so in a timely manner?
• Will she raise a calf every year and stay in the cow herd long enough to pay for herself?

And what about the home-raised heifer calf you want to retain and develop? You will have invested a lot of time, effort and energy by the time she calves. How can you give her the best chance to give you a high return on that investment?

In short, when it comes to the decision of breeding versus buying, are you consistently investing so as to maximize your return?

Data and insights vs. “what we’ve always done”

Consider what criteria you are using to make your decisions. Do you have the records to justify your decisions, or is it, Well, this is what we’ve always done?

Recently, I was talking with a banker who works with a father/son operation. The father and son were considering expanding their herd and were debating on buying young bred cows or bred heifers. The father was leaning toward buying heifers because he felt that they were the better value.

The banker reviewed their purchase and sale records and then advised them, “Don’t spend more than $2,600 for a bred heifer, because that heifer will never pay for herself.” He explained that in their operation, heifers tended to “fall out” in 3–4 years due to management constraints; namely, the operation didn’t have the facilities or labor to keep the heifers separate from the cows. In this particular operation, cows returned more money because they stayed in the cow herd longer.

What data do you have, and what data do you need, to make the best decisions?

Tough decisions will determine the direction of the cow herd

With current prices and the price outlook, producers have some tough decisions to make about whether to get out now or try to expand. If they decide to expand, they need to know how to make the most informed decisions along the way. Those who see the opportunity to expand, if they use their data wisely and invest where they are most likely to get the biggest returns, stand the highest chance of success.

About the author: 

Bryan Sanderson grew up in Lake Preston, South Dakota, and spent most of his childhood working on pig, crop and cattle farms. After receiving a degree in animal science from South Dakota State University, with minors in ag marketing and ag business, Bryan began his impressive career in animal agriculture. With experience in livestock production, feedlot supervision, sales and finance, Bryan is currently the U.S. beef business manager for Alltech.

I want to learn more about beef nutrition. 

In the heart of County Meath, Ireland, four ambitious students from Dunshaughlin Community College embarked on a journey that would not only showcase their dedication to agriculture but also highlight the power of sustainable farming practices. Meet Liam Byrne, Eric Allen, Eoin O’Sullivan and David Malone, the dynamic quartet whose passion for farming propelled them to victory in the 10^th annual Certified Irish Angus School’s Competition.

Under the guidance of Alltech nutritionist Dr. Mj Doran, these students adopted a data-driven approach to their project, which was called “A Holistic Approach to Improving Animal Performance.” Armed with a mission to merge production efficiency with environmental sustainability, they set out to rear four Aberdeen Angus steers and minimize their carbon footprint throughout the process.

Alltech E-CO₂ was an essential tool used in this approach. Utilizing the Alltech E-CO₂ audit, the students meticulously analyzed every aspect of their cattle-rearing process, from nutrition to on-farm trials and soil analysis.

Particularly, they predicted how much CO₂ would be produced as a result of rearing their Angus cattle to slaughter. Then they ran multiple scenarios through the E-CO₂ audit, fine-tuning their approach in order to ensure maximal efficiency and minimal environmental impact. This involved nutritional advice from Dr. Doran, who formulated the cattle’s diets and collected the data required for the E-CO₂ report. Yea-Sacc^® was used in the animals’ diet.

The culmination of the students’ efforts came with the final CO₂ emission figure: a remarkable 8.5 kg CO₂ per kg of liveweight, significantly below the Irish national average. This achievement not only secured the students’ victory in the competition but also served as a testament to the transformative power of science-based sustainable farming practices.

“Liam, Eric, Eoin and David demonstrated just how useful the E-CO₂ sustainability report can be in planning for farming with a lower environmental impact,” Dr. Doran said. “This, along with precision nutrition advice from InTouch, was key to the students achieving beef production with a lower environmental impact. Comhghairdeas to the lads, they are great ambassadors for their school, their local area and Irish agriculture.”

As a global leader in animal nutrition and sustainability solutions, Alltech is proud to support initiatives that empower the next generation of farmers to embrace sustainable practices and drive positive change in the world.

About the author: 

Tien Le received her bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications from the University of Greenwich, London, with the University Merit Award for Outstanding Achievement. She started her career at Alltech in 2016 as part of the Corporate Career Development Program, spending time in both the U.S. and Ireland before taking a role in Vietnam, her home country. Tien presently serves as the editorial content manager for Alltech, a role that allows her to fulfill her passions for writing, innovation and sustainable agriculture.

I want to learn more about nutrition for beef cattle. 

Mycotoxin contamination poses a growing concern for animal feed producers worldwide. Asian feed production, for example, has been steadily increasing, with a significant reliance on imported grains. As this trend is projected to continue, understanding the mycotoxin risks associated with these imported grains is paramount. The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis provides insights into the prevalence and types of mycotoxins present in grains sourced from various regions globally.

Accurate mycotoxin analysis is essential for identifying and mitigating contamination risks in animal feed. Various analytical methods, such as Alltech 37+®, Alltech® RAPIREAD™, and collaborations with organizations such as SGS, Masterfeeds and Stratford Labs, form the basis of the Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report.

The analysis assessed the mycotoxin risks in grains — such as corn, wheat, barley and byproducts — sourced from Europe, North America, Canada and Latin America for feed and livestock producers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Europe

In 2023, Europe faced significant mycotoxin challenges, especially in small grains like barley. Adverse weather conditions, including prolonged rainfall, exacerbated contamination levels in Northern and Western European countries. Fusarium toxins, such as deoxynivalenol, rapidly multiplied in barley and wheat due to these severe conditions and posed challenges for crop growers.

Although the mycotoxin challenge in corn is lower compared to recent years, there are still pockets of higher risk in Central and Southern Europe. Aflatoxins, fumonisins and ochratoxins are the most prevalent mycotoxins in corn from these regions. Barley has the highest risk among small grains, with an average of six mycotoxins per sample and with 97% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. Wheat samples, on the other hand, have an average of 3.5 mycotoxins per sample, with 90% of samples containing two or more mycotoxins. In Northwestern Europe, the average risk equivalent quantity (REQ) for wheat and barley is moderate to high, partly due to a delayed harvest and an increased presence of Fusarium toxins.

United States

Weather conditions in the U.S. had a significant impact on the mycotoxin profile of the corn samples analyzed. In the Southwest, a prolonged dry period resulted in a higher-than-usual fumonisin challenge. Whereas, in the East, lengthy periods of rainfall resulted in higher levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). This variation highlights the intricate interplay between climatic conditions and crop quality.

U.S. corn samples had an average of 4.4 mycotoxins per sample, with 87% containing two or more mycotoxins. In general, the mycotoxin challenge in corn grain is lower this year than in recent years. However, there are still pockets of higher risk in the Midwest and the South.

Canada

In Canada, dry conditions across the prairies led to a reduced overall crop output compared to the previous year. Fusarium toxins present the greatest challenge, with average DON levels of 1,882 ppb detected in wheat and barley samples, leading to a generally higher risk for this ingredient in pig diets. Additionally, high levels of zearalenone, predominantly observed in corn grain, are indicating potentially significant impacts, raising concerns for the pig industry.

Latin America

In Brazil, a favorable growing season led to an increase in overall corn yield. As with Canada, higher-than-average levels of DON and zearalenone could create challenges when corn from Brazil is included in pig diets. Zearalenone was present in 91% of samples tested, while the prevalence of DON was much lower. Although fumonisins were widely detected, with almost 70% of samples containing this type of mycotoxin, the levels are lower than for other mycotoxin groups.

Corn byproducts

Rising costs of raw materials commonly used for animal feed have led to an increased usage of byproducts. This poses challenges for mycotoxin contamination, particularly with corn byproducts having higher contamination levels compared to parent grains.

Using Alltech 37+ mycotoxin analysis, Alltech tested samples of corn gluten meal and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from North America, Asia and Europe. All had a minimum of two mycotoxins, with an average of 13.4. The most common and significant mycotoxins detected were emerging mycotoxins, type B trichothecenes, and Fusarium mycotoxins.

Monogastric vs. ruminant animals

While mycotoxin contamination poses a threat to both monogastric and ruminant animals, the animals’ digestive systems react differently to the threat. Understanding the nuances of mycotoxin risks for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, compared to ruminants like cows and sheep, is crucial for effective feed management.

The Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report provides detailed insights into the impacts of specific findings on each species of animal, distinguishing between monogastric and ruminant species.

Conclusion

Mycotoxin contamination is a significant issue for animal feed producers globally, with impacts on various grains and byproducts from different regions. The 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis report demonstrates the need for rigorous testing and quality-control measures and offers vital information to help producers make better decisions when purchasing ingredients and formulating animal diets. 

With widespread and rising contamination in raw materials being imported into the Asia-Pacific region, it is crucial to implement effective mycotoxin management strategies. Doing so will optimize both the safety and well-being of animals and the profitability of operations. A holistic approach is essential to managing mycotoxins correctly, so establishing a routine mycotoxin testing program when purchasing feed ingredients and developing nutrition plans is crucial.

To access valuable insights on managing mycotoxin risks, download your copy of the 2024 Alltech Asia Import Risk Analysis here. We also invite you to visit knowmycotoxins.com for further resources. Don't miss this opportunity to safeguard your animals and your production.

Discover more content:

Reducing the challenge of storage mycotoxins | Alltech

The heightened risk of Penicillium mycotoxins in European forage (alltech.com)

Protecting grain and forage quality this winter | Alltech

2023 harvest: Early insights into Europe’s mycotoxin landscape (alltech.com)

About the author: 

Dr. Ghazanfar Naseer is the regional ruminant and mycotoxin technical manager for Asia Pacific at Alltech. He is currently based in Australia.

Dr. Naseer was one of three people selected to participate in the Alltech Dairy Career Development Program in 2015. His current role in the company has taken him to countries around the world. Dr. Naseer has vast international experience and expertise in ruminant nutrition and management. He has worked with various dairy and beef producers across the globe, from small farms to large operations.

Born in Pakistan, Dr. Naseer earned his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a gold medal distinction. He is also certified as a CowSignals® Master Trainer in Thailand.