Making an effective TMR requires an investment in the right mixing machines. There are many types from different companies, offering varying prices and quality.

The quality of the materials is important. For instance, since a TMR contains acidic, fermented raw materials, the mixer should have high-quality steel. And especially if straw is your TMR ingredient, the machine’s blades must be durable.

Types and characteristics of TMR mixers

The most commonly used types of TMR machines are horizontal mixers and vertical mixers.

Horizontal mixer

This type usually has 2–4 spiral augers, depending on capacity. The machine works by the bottom spiral auger spinning to mix feed materials and cutting them with blades at the edges of the spirals. Long pieces of grass and straw will be cut into smaller pieces.

The limitation of the horizontal machine is that if hay is the main ingredient, a large amount of it will not be mixed so well because of this mixer’s slow motor speed. Therefore, it is better to chop ingredients into small pieces before putting them through the horizontal mixer. This type of mixer does work well if the ingredients are fresh grass, corn silage and/or grass silage; in fact, generally, every type of mixer works well with short pieces of fresh or dried raw materials.  However, if we mix these ingredients for too long, it can make the grass pieces too short. Use a suitable mixing time to produce a feed size between 1 centimeter and 1 inch.

Horizontal mixer with paddles

This type of horizontal mixer has a large horizontal auger in the middle of the mixing chamber, with blades for cutting and paddles for rotating the feed material. This rotation prevents compression of feed materials and prevents the materials being chopped into too-small pieces.

A horizontal mixer with paddles mixes materials more quickly than other types, and it is the most modern TMR mixer, able to mix all kinds of materials well.

Vertical mixer

This mixer has one to four screw-like spiral augers, depending on capacity. The blades are at the ends of the augers. A vertical mixer can mix hay, straw, fresh grass and corn stover well. If the straw is dry, it should be mixed with water or molasses to increase the moisture to 50% so that the feed mixes better.

As with a horizontal mixer, the materials should be managed appropriately and mixed for a suitable amount of time to produce feed of a good size.

Location options for the mixer

Some machines are designed to be towed from place to place by tractor; others stay in one central place. What are the benefits of each?

Mobile mixer

A mobile mixer is suitable for a cattle production that:

• already has a tractor
• wants to mix its own feed
• wants to expand its operations

The mobile mixer is connected to a tractor, and it mainly runs on the power from the tractor. Therefore, a tractor with engine power corresponding to the capacity of the mixer must be used.

This type of mixer is convenient if locations of roughage and concentrate sources are far away. You can simply drive it to the different locations to both mix and dispense the TMR on-farm. Not much manpower is required.

With a mobile mixer, the feed trough does have to be adjusted to have lower walls, so that the TMR truck can dispense feed to the trough. However, troughs are not popular in modern feeding systems, since they are difficult to clean and require a lot of manpower. Therefore, a flat cement floor with a concrete apron on the pen side is usually made, so that the TMR feeder can directly dispense feed onto the floor.

Stationary mixer

This type is suitable for a farm that wants to be a TMR feed center or distributor. On such a farm, locations of raw materials should not be so far from one another.

The feed production house must have a conveyor belt to convey ingredients up to the mixer.

For small to medium-sized farms that want to invest prudently, a mobile mixer is recommended over a stationary one, because opting for the mobile mixer will save the production from costs such as building a feed-mixing plant or acquiring and maintaining a forklift.

Capacity of the mixer

Mixer size is often referred to by volume, using the units of cubic meter or cubic foot (1 cubic meter is 35.3 cubic feet). Mixer companies usually offer a specification table showing the mixer's capacity in volume and the required engine power. Mixing capacity will vary based on the moisture level of the TMR materials. Also, it is advised to fill the mixer only to 70–80% of the total capacity, leaving space for the TMR materials to be mixed well and quickly.

For example, a farm of 200 animals will need a 500-cubic-foot (14.2-cubic-meter) mixer. If the animals are fed twice a day, the mixer capacity can be 250 cubic feet (7.1 cubic meters) and requires a 75-horsepower tractor. Details are different for different machines.

How to choose a TMR mixer

Now that you have the basic information you need to differentiate between mixer types, you can consider the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each type in regard to your needs.

What size of mixer will be able to make enough TMR to feed all the cattle on your farm? What types of materials will it need to handle? Do you need a stationary mixer or a tractor-towed mobile one? What other accessories, such as scales and magnetics, will be required for your needs?

With all the answers to those questions, it will be easier to make the right decision for your operation.

Alltech thanks Prof. Dr. Viroj Pattarajinda for the courtesy of granting us permission to share this article for the benefit of cattle farmers.

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. 

Since 2006, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech, a global leader in agriculture and animal nutrition, have partnered to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Awards that recognize the leadership potential of young members (under 35 years of age). As young agricultural journalists and communicators, they have the important role of sharing the stories of agriculture with the world.

IFAJ and Alltech offer 10 scholarship opportunities to attend the IFAJ Congress, held this year in Interlaken, Switzerland, in August. The winners also participate in a unique three-day professional development workshop immediately prior to the IFAJ Congress. The workshop emphasizes reporting skills and leadership training and includes agriculture tours.

The 2024 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders include:

• Alex Black, United Kingdom
• Emma Davies, Ghana
• Courtney Girgis, United States
• Kristina Hansén, Sweden
• Wiebke Hermann, Germany
• Brooke Littlewood, Australia
• Duncan Masiwa, South Africa
• Daniel Plaiasu, Romania
• Michaela Sandmayr, Austria
• Carola Urdangarin, Argentina

"Alltech is proud to partner with IFAJ to support the Young Leaders program, as we all share a commitment to supporting journalists who give voice to farmers and producers and ensure that agriculture stories continue to be told around the world," said Jenn Norrie, North American and European communications manager at Alltech.

“The Young Leaders program has helped agricultural journalism guilds and IFAJ grow for nearly two decades,” said IFAJ secretary-general, Addy Rossi. “The IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders program is more than just an award to recognize rising young stars in our industry—it provides training, networks and contagious energy to tomorrow's guild and federation leaders."

"Many of the officers and active volunteers in national guilds and IFAJ's governing bodies have been Young Leaders,” he added. “With its generous sponsorship and deep commitment to the future of agricultural journalism, Alltech has helped train a generation of world leaders."

For more information on IFAJ and the Young Leaders program, visit www.ifaj.org. For more on Alltech, visit www.alltech.com.

[LEXINGTON, Kentucky] — Alltech, a global leader in agriculture and animal nutrition, is pleased to announce that the company will serve as the primary importer and distributor of Agolin^® products in the United States and Canada beginning May 1, 2024. Agolin’s high-quality essential oil blends are scientifically proven to optimize feed intake and performance, including improved milk and meat production, for both ruminant and non-ruminant animals.

“We are dedicated to supporting producers with the best available nutritional technologies to achieve more milk and meat while reducing their environmental footprint,” said Martha Baker, Alltech lead for Agolin.

Agolin^® Ruminant was the first feed additive certified by The Carbon Trust for methane reduction in ruminants (2018). Today, Agolin Ruminant is included in the diets of more than 2 million dairy cows worldwide, and leading carbon methodology owners Verra and Gold Standard recognize it in their international climate protection project registries. Concord Agriculture Partners has also chosen Agolin Ruminant to create a new carbon inset project, which guarantees that participating dairy producers will receive an industry-leading 85% of the gross value of the carbon asset.

Dairy producers are already reaping the rewards of using Agolin products in their nutrition programs. In December 2023, U.S. dairy farmers who used Agolin Ruminant to create verified emissions reductions were awarded nearly $3 million in carbon-asset payments, in addition to the benefits of improved feed efficiency and an increase in fat and protein yield.

Feedworks USA introduced Agolin products to the North American market and has led the adoption and growth of these landmark nutritional technologies. In 2022, the company introduced the first enteric carbon project using Agolin in the U.S., not only reducing the carbon footprint of those dairies but providing a significant additional income to those farms. The Feedworks team will continue to support and distribute Agolin in partnership with Alltech.

“We are all excited to have Alltech partner with us in continuing to grow the market for these exciting products,” said Peter Williams, one of the partners with Feedworks USA.  “Agolin ruminant products, in particular, are heavily researched and show productivity and efficiency benefits to U.S. dairies worth more than $10 per $1 cost. In addition, farmers can cover most of the cost with carbon credits. At present, well over half a million dairy cows are being fed Agolin Ruminant in the U.S., and this number is set to continue to grow rapidly.”

“Feedworks is a valued partner to us, having established the Agolin business and distribution in the U.S. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them, as we expand access to Agolin for U.S. producers,” said Baker.

Alltech acquired a majority interest in Agolin SA in May 2023. Founded in Switzerland in 2006, Agolin has developed and produced plant-based nutrition solutions that have been scientifically proven to improve herd performance, profitability and sustainability. Alltech plans to begin producing Agolin in its U.S. manufacturing facilities by mid-2025.

For more information, visit alltech.com/agolin.

New six-part video series explores the cattle-grazing carbon cycle and the role of cattle in mitigating climate change

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Alltech and Archbold formed a strategic research alliance in 2019 to jointly develop beef management approaches, specifically to increase the quality and quantity of beef produced in subtropical regions while maintaining and enhancing the environment. The Archbold–Alltech Alliance brought together scientists from two different disciplines — ecologists from Archbold and ruminant nutritionists from Alltech — to understand the impact that cattle production at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch has on the ecosystem and the ability to sequester carbon.

Over the past five years, the research alliance has created a model for estimating the ranch’s carbon footprint — and the results have been astounding. On average, Buck Island Ranch sequesters more carbon each year than it emits. It is a net-carbon sink.

This research shows that grazing ruminant animals on land benefits the environment and improves carbon cycling. The results confirm that carbon-neutral — and even net-positive — beef production is possible at Buck Island Ranch, a 10,500-acre ranch in Lake Placid, Florida, and that same potential likely extends to environments around the world.

To showcase the work taking place at the Buck Island Ranch, the Archbold-Alltech Alliance have released a six-part Planet of Plenty™ video series that explores the cattle grazing carbon cycle, the role of carbon sequestration in mitigating climate change and other insights the collaborative research alliance has unveiled.

“This research alliance brings together scientists from several disciplines to collaborate on climate-change solutions and demonstrate agriculture’s great potential to positively shape the future of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “These exciting findings at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch prove that we capture more carbon when cows are grazing the land. That is profoundly powerful.”

“Every year, we sequester 1,201 tons of CO₂ equivalent at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch and all of this work is scalable to other parts of the world,” said Dr. Betsey Boughton, director of agroecology at Archbold. “The narrative people have heard is that cows are bad for the environment, but grazing animals can actually change the function of grasslands. Cows are eating the grass and not allowing as much decomposition to happen on the ground. Without cows, we actually see more carbon emitted.”

“We’re trying to let people know that it is not just this black-and-white answer,” she added. “It is complicated, and we need to think about the whole story.”

Though it is a complex issue, the research has shown that agriculture can be one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against climate change.

This collaboration has discovered a deeper understanding of the grazing-cattle carbon cycle, one that is not solely focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the animal but also on natural GHG emissions from the land and the sequestration of carbon in the soil. Discussions around GHGs and global warming often center around agriculture emissions, but it is important to think beyond emissions and look at the full cycle.

The soil’s ability to sequester carbon is a critical part of the story. Alltech Crop Science and Ideagro, which joined the Alltech family of companies in 2023, are studying how microbial populations can enrich soil chemistry and nutrient density, leading to increased carbon sequestration in the soil. The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents a significant opportunity for the agri-food community to embrace its critical role in combatting climate change while simultaneously improving soil health, boosting crop yields and promoting biodiversity.

For more information and to watch the six-part Planet of Plenty™ video series, visit https://www.alltech.com/planet-of-plenty/stories/video/can-cattle-combat-climate-change.

Alltech is pleased to announce a new marketing structure designed to better serve both the company’s customers and the needs of its internal teams. These new roles and responsibilities will allow for increased agility in meeting stakeholder needs while cultivating closer alignment and collaboration across Alltech’s U.S. business. 

The Alltech team members taking on new marketing roles and responsibilities include (in alphabetical order by last name):

• Nicole Bangasser, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Bangasser has been with Alltech for two years. Her family has been active in many sectors of agriculture, with farms in South Dakota and Minnesota. Bangasser holds a degree in agri-business from South Dakota State University. She lives in Winnebago, Minnesota.

• Cece Blythe, Western U.S. Marketing Manager, Alltech

Blythe joined Alltech over three years ago. She also serves as the chair of the communications committee for the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, as her county’s chair with the Kansas Livestock Association, and on several committees for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Blythe holds a degree in agri-business and applied economics with a minor in production agriculture from Ohio State University. She lives in East Central Kansas on her husband’s family’s cattle ranch.

• Anna Burnett, U.S. Dairy Marketing Lead, Alltech

Burnett has been with Alltech for four and a half years and is based at Alltech’s global headquarters in Nicholasville, Kentucky. She previously served as the director of consumer affairs for the Kentucky Beef Council. A native of Central Kentucky, Burnett has had a passion for agriculture since childhood, when she showed lambs and was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Burnett holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in science with a focus on the economics of raising dairy heifers from the University of Kentucky. She lives in Frankfort, Kentucky.

• Leslee Burns, Western U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Burns has been with Alltech for almost 14 years out of its office in Brookings, South Dakota. She began her career at Alltech as an administrative assistant before being named the Midwest marketing assistant and, later, the regional marketing specialist for the South Dakota region. Burns grew up in Southwest Minnesota, where her family farmed and raised pigs and cattle. She holds a degree in digital arts and design from Dakota State University in Madison.

• Zach Gilles, Eastern U.S. Marketing Specialist, Alltech

Gilles first joined Alltech eight years ago. He is highly involved with his family’s diversified farming operation, where he has helped raise a herd of purebred registered Angus cattle, row-cropped corn and soybeans, and worked at his brother’s farm store selling local beef, pork and poultry products. Gilles is a member of the Kentucky & Daviess County Cattlemen’s Association and is also active in the state and Daviess County chapters of the Farm Bureau. He holds a degree in marketing from the University of Kentucky and lives in Owensboro, Kentucky.

• Bailey Irick, Marketing Lead, Show-Rite

Irick has been with Alltech since September 2022. She is based in Markle, Indiana, where she was born and raised on a family farm that submersed her in agriculture and fostered her love for the show livestock industry — specifically show pigs — from a very young age. Irick was an active member of 4-H, FFA, National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) and Team Purebred during her junior career. She is actively involved in agriculture on her family’s farm, in the show barn and through judging livestock shows. Irick holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Illinois University.

• Mallory Minnick, U.S. Pork Marketing Lead, Alltech

Minnick joined Alltech in May 2022. She grew up on a diversified livestock and row crop farm in Logansport, Indiana, and she and her fiancé continue to be involved in the livestock industry. Minnick holds a degree in animal science from Purdue University. She lives in Lubbock, Texas.

• Alex Morcom, Head of Marketing, Ridley Block Operations

Morcom joined Ridley Block Operations, a member of the Alltech family of companies, in March 2023. She also serves on the board of directors for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and is an alumnus of the OCA Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy. Morcom is based in Duncan, Oklahoma, where she and her husband own and operate a commercial cow-calf operation and raise cutting- and roping-bred quarter horses. In their cattle operation, Morcom and her husband focus on Angus and Angus-influenced cattle and offer ranch-raised beef direct to the consumer. Morcom holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agriculture business from Stephen F. Austin State University.

• Mackenzie Peters, Marketing Specialist, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Peters has been with Alltech for over six years. She is also a member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Diamond Hats. Peters and her husband grow wheat for crop and cattle grazing, and they also have a cow/calf operation and breed and train registered border collie stock dogs. Peters received a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary agriculture with a focus on business and leadership from Texas Tech University. She is based out of Union City, Oklahoma.

• Terran Ronne, Head of Marketing, Global Pet and Corporate Accounts, Alltech

Ronne has been with Alltech for nine years and previously served as the company’s Midwest marketing specialist and Western U.S. marketing manager. She is the current president of the the National Agri-Marketing Association’s Northern Prairie chapter and served as the treasurer of its board for four years. Ronne holds an undergraduate degree in public relations and journalism from North Dakota State University and a master’s degree in agriculture from Murray State University. She is based in the Alltech office in Brookings, South Dakota.

• Tieggan Rouleau, Marketing Lead, Lifestyle Feeds, Alltech

Rouleau joined Hubbard Feeds, an Alltech company, in October 2022 as a lifestyle sales representative based in Wyoming. She has owned horses her entire life and continues to compete at the professional level in team roping and breakaway roping. Rouleau received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an associate’s degree in marketing from Lethbridge College. A native of Canada, she now calls Buffalo, Wyoming, home.

• Katie Stenzel, Marketing Specialist, Feed and Block, Alltech

Stenzel joined the Alltech Feed Division in March 2018. She grew up near Wells, Minnesota, where her family grew corn and soybeans and operated a beef feedlot. She still lives near Wells today on her husband’s family’s crop farm. Stenzel holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in marketing from South Dakota State University.

• Jena Lee Wagner, U.S. Beef Marketing Lead, Alltech

Wagner joined Alltech in February 2023. She is involved with her family’s Angus cattle operation and actively participates in the Montana Angus Association. Wagner received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Montana State University. She lives in Billings, Montana.

• William Wallis, Eastern U.S. Marketing Manager and U.S. Poultry Marketing Manager, Alltech

Wallis has been with Alltech for 12 years. He has served as the treasurer for the Carolina/Virginia chapter of NAMA for the past seven years. Wallis holds a degree in business marketing from Barry University in Miami, Florida. He lives in Apex, North Carolina.

• Celsey Weiss, Head of Marketing, Feed and Premix, Alltech

Weiss has served in other roles within the Alltech Feed Division over the past two years. She is also the marketing chair for Pepin County Dairy Promotion and serves on the marketing committee for the Dairy Girl Network. Weiss holds a degree in marketing communications with a minor in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She and her husband own and operate a 2,000-cow dairy with her husband’s family in Durand, Wisconsin.

• Shannon Zika, U.S. Digital Content Producer, Alltech

Zika has served in a variety of marketing roles for the Alltech Feed Division and its family of companies since June 2001. She holds a degree in marketing with a minor in business administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Zika is based in Mankato, Minnesota.

For more information, visit alltech.com.

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.

*The 2023 numbers were adjusted on April 15, 2024 

World feed production remains steady, with a slight decrease of 0.01%* to 1.29 billion metric tons

Lower demand attributed in part to more efficient use of feed

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] – Global animal feed production remained steady in 2023 at 1.29 billion metric tons (BMT), a slight decrease of 140,000* metric tons (MMT) — or 0.01%* — from 2022’s estimates, according to the 2024 Agri-Food Outlook, released today by Alltech. The annual survey, now in its 13^th year, includes data from 142 countries and more than 27,000 feed mills.

The overall lower demand for feed was due, in part, to the more efficient use of feed made possible by intensive production systems that focus on using animal nutrition, farm management and other technologies to lower feed intake while producing the same amount of protein, or more. A slowdown in the overall production of animal protein, in response to tight margins experienced by many feed and animal protein companies, also contributed to lower feed demand. Changing consumption patterns caused by inflation and dietary trends, higher production costs and geopolitical tensions also influenced feed production in 2023.

Top 10 countries:

The top 10 feed-producing countries are China (262.71 MMT, +0.76%), the U.S. (238.09 MMT, ‑1.13%), Brazil (83.32 MMT, +1.84%), India (52.83 MMT, +13.43%), Mexico (40.42 MMT, +0.02%), Spain (36.22 MMT*, -3.28%*), Russia (35.46 MMT, +3.83%), Vietnam (24.15 MMT, -9.63%), Japan (23.94 MMT, -1.15%) and Türkiye (23.37 MMT, -11.48%). Together, the top 10 countries produced 63.1% of the world’s feed production (same as in 2022), and almost half of the world’s global feed production is concentrated in four countries: China, the U.S., Brazil and India.

Notable species results and outlook:

• Poultry experienced an increase in broiler feed production (386.33 MMT*, +12.81 MMT*, +3.43%*) and remained flat* for layers (171.29 MMT*, +0.01 MMT, 0%).
  • Broiler feed now accounts for 29.8%* of the total feed tonnage in the world thanks to a 3.43%* increase in overall tonnage in 2023. While this growth was not uniform across all regions, the poultry sector is poised to keep holding strong in 2024 thanks to a combination of regional successes and global market dynamics. Some of the biggest factors that will contribute to the resilience of the broiler sector include reduced costs for inputs, such as feed and energy, and increases in margins and profitability.
  • For layers, there are industry-wide efforts to optimize feed efficiency and to keep pace with changing dietary trends and new purchasing power. Some markets around the globe were significantly impacted by macroeconomic challenges and disease outbreaks, which can disrupt production cycles. Still, the general outlook for the layer industry remains positive thanks to its resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, when other protein sectors often struggle to adapt.
  • The poultry sector is poised for continued strength, driven by a blend of regional successes and global market dynamics. The broiler forecast remains optimistic thanks to lower input costs, increased industrial margins and shifting consumer behaviors. For layers, challenges persist, but there are pockets of resilience and growth.
• The global pig feed production sector faced many challenges in 2023, which led to an overall decrease in pig feed production of 1.26%* (323.04 MMT*, -4.14 MMT*).
  • Latin America stood out as the only region that achieved an increase in pig feed production in 2023, while Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America — which have traditionally been the top pig feed-producing regions in the world — all faced challenges. African swine fever (ASF) continues to wreak havoc on pig production in China and Southeast Asia, where repopulation efforts are slowly proceeding.
  • The trends highlight the complex relationship between economic factors, supply dynamics and disease management in the global pig feed industry. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustaining animal agriculture and ensuring food security.
• Dairy feed tonnage decreased by 1.12%* (127.92 MMT*, -1.45%*), primarily due to the high cost of feed combined with low milk prices, which led farmers to make strategic adjustments that included reducing their cow numbers and/or relying more on non-commercial feed sources.
  • In Europe, dairy producers will continue to grapple with stricter environmental policies in the years ahead, and they will need to find new ways to continue growing.
  • Asia-Pacific managed to buck the downward trend and emerged as the only region that increased its dairy feed tonnage in 2023. This growth was fueled by a continued increase in the consumption of milk products there, as well as an expansion of feed production in co-operatives.
  • This shift reflects the delicate balance between economic factors and the need to sustain dairy production. Lower feed costs and higher milk prices would help right the ship.

• Beef feed production decreased by 3.78%* (119.56 MMT*, -4.70 MMT*) globally — the most pronounced downward change among all species sectors last year. Changes in cattle cycles in the United States and stricter sustainability policies in Europe had major impacts, with the Asia-Pacific beef sector notably surpassing Europe’s in 2023.
  • The substantial decline in North America was the result of lingering droughts and high production costs, among other issues.
  • While the European and North American beef industries are expected to continue declining in 2024, growth is expected in China, Brazil and Australia — highlighting the complex dynamics and landscape of beef feed production around the world.
• The aquaculture sector experienced a decline of 4.41%* (52.09 MMT, -2.40 MMT*).
  • This decline was driven in part by a significant drop in China’s supply of aqua feed due to lower fish prices, which had a far-reaching impact.
  • Latin America grew by 0.27 MMT (3.87%). Despite adverse weather conditions in that region, the demand for aqua products is still strong in Latin America, which helped aqua producers there remain resilient.
• The global pet feed industry continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace of 2.66%* (35.44 MMT*, +0.92 MMT*) in 2023. Demand for high-quality pet products and services remains high from pet owners who want only the best for their animal companions.
  • The Latin American and European* markets were the primary drivers of this growth.
• The equine feed industry experienced a decrease of 4.69%* (7.98 MMT, -0.39 MMT*) in 2023.
  • The top challenges in the equine sector include high labor and material prices.
  • The top technologies impacting the sector are biosecurity, microchipping, genetics and nutritional solutions.
  • Survey respondents said the biggest opportunities for nutritional solutions are gut health management and feed efficiency.
  • Equine feed is expected to decrease both in price and in volume during the coming year.

Notable regional results:

• North America saw a decrease of 2.8 MMT (259.26 MMT, -1.1%), with beef feed tonnage down significantly. The pig and dairy sectors also slipped slightly, but the broiler, layer and pet sectors more than made up the difference. Feed tonnage in the broiler sector was up nearly 2.9%.
• Latin America experienced growth in 2023 by 2.46 MMT (200.67 MMT, +1.24%). Despite high production costs, geopolitical tensions and changing consumer behavior due to economic reasons, the region continues to be among the global growth leaders*, mainly because of its export-driven aquaculture, poultry and pork markets.
• Europe continued its downward trend in feed production, with a decrease of 7.59 MMT* (261.89 MMT*, -2.82%*) due to issues that included the invasion in Ukraine and the spread of animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza (AI).
• Asia-Pacific led feed production growth in 2023, with an increase of 6.54 MMT (475.33 MMT, +1.4%). Feed production growth in the region’s ruminant sectors offset a setback in the aqua sector. The region is home to several of the top 10 feed-producing countries, including China, India, Vietnam and Japan.
• Africa experienced continued but slower growth with an increase of 1.94%*, nearly 1 MMT to total 51.42 MMT.
• The Middle East saw a slight decrease of 0.12 MMT (35.93 MMT, -0.32%).
• Oceania grew 3.71% or 0.39 MMT to total 10.78 MMT.

Alltech works together with feed mills and industry and government entities around the world to compile data and insights to provide an assessment of feed production each year. Compound feed production and prices were collected by Alltech’s global sales team and in partnership with local feed associations in the first quarter of 2024. These figures are estimates and are intended to serve as an information resource for industry stakeholders.

To access more data and insights from the 2024 Alltech Agri-Food Outlook, including an interactive global map, visit alltech.com/agri-food-outlook.

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.

[BANGKOK, Thailand] — Alltech recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Thailand alongside more than 120 industry partners and friends, including representatives of prominent agri-food companies.

In 1998, Alltech entered the Thai market. It was a time of financial crisis within the region yet Alltech could see the market’s potential and its increasingly important role in global food supply. Alltech Thailand began with two team members, and today more than 50 Alltech team members are dedicated to serving the country’s agriculture sector. An initial facility and warehouse in Thailand were established in 2006 and production operations were relocated to the current facility in Samutprakarn in 2015 to meet growing demand in both the Thai and Southeast Asian markets.

Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech, reflected on the company’s long-standing commitment to the country and its partnerships with Thailand-based customers.

“Within Alltech, we are committed to Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. Thailand represents some of our most enduring examples of this effort,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “Together, with our customers, we have advanced the efficient and sustainable production of nutrition and are cultivating a prosperous world of abundance through Thailand’s agri-food sector.”

Steadfast in its commitment to providing smarter and sustainable solutions for customers, including feed mills, integrators and animal farms, Alltech continues to invest in local production while leveraging the best of its global network and knowledge to the benefits of its customers. These efforts have catalyzed rapid growth in Thailand’s agricultural industry, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.

Over the past quarter century, Thailand’s agricultural sector has prioritized enhancing efficiency and productivity, advancing aquaculture and livestock production, fostering value addition for agricultural products, and ensuring food security.

Alltech has forged deep connections and established significant strategic partnerships within the local industry. Its long-standing relationships with market leaders have allowed Alltech — and its customers — to grow and navigate the evolving agri-food industry.

On Feb. 15, Alltech finalized an agreement with Thai Wah Public Co., an agri-food business with operations in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and India, to collaborate on reducing carbon in Asian agri-food with precision nutrition, digital farming, waste management and carbon footprint assessments. This collaboration is the second formal partnership in two years to focus on sustainable farming in Thailand. On March 9, 2023, Alltech formed a partnership with the Dairy Farming Promotion Organization of Thailand (DPO) to pioneer nutrition innovation and sustainable dairy farming, leveraging global expertise and technologies to expand and develop dairy and beef cattle production in Thailand.

Dedicated to ensuring customers’ competitiveness and to driving innovation within the industry, Alltech Thailand remains committed to educating customers through seminars and workshops, enriching their knowledge and keeping them at the forefront of leading agri-food research and technologies.

Alltech Thailand and its 5,000 Alltech colleagues around the world share a commitment to supporting the agri-food sector in providing nutrition for all while supporting local economies and revitalizing the planet’s natural resources.

“Our devoted local team remains ready to provide unparalleled expertise to the Thai market,” said Jonathan Forrest Wilson, president of Alltech Asia-Pacific. “This reflects our dedication to forging long term mutually beneficial collaborations and contributing to the thriving business landscape in Thailand. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment to lasting partnerships remains at the forefront of our mission.”