It is vitally important to check feed regularly, especially if it has been sitting in storage for an extended period of time. Feed that is moldy is dangerous for your livestock. The same is true for pastures, which can be breeding grounds for mold. It is difficult to detect the presence of mold visually, so it is necessary to send samples to a lab for analysis. This way, you will know for sure whether the feed you are feeding is safe for your livestock.
Avoiding mycotic abortions
Mycotic abortions are caused by certain types of molds that can be harmful to the health of the fetus. While the majority of these types of molds are harmless, those that do cause abortions are dangerous. Mold spores can also cause respiratory problems and even death. Therefore, it is important to prevent this disease by avoiding feeding moldy grain to your cattle.
During pregnancy, pregnant cows should not suddenly change their diet or be given large amounts of moldy grain. They should be kept away from contaminated feeds and beddings. Alternatively, they can be fed transition rations that contain anti-fungal additives. These measures may help reduce the number of mycotic abortions in your herd.
Ochratoxins can be produced by fungus species, including Penicillium and Aspergillus. These fungi produce mycotoxins that can cause reproductive and kidney damage in animals. In addition, they can cause abortions in cattle. However, mycotoxic abortion is rare in dairy cows. It occurs between six to eight months of gestation. Besides, calves born with mycotic abortions are usually very small, and subsequent fertility is not affected.
Avoiding spoiled hay
For dairy cows, avoid feeding spoiled hay or silage. This type of feed can become unpalatable and lose its nutritional value as a result of the growth of harmful microbes. It can also affect the animal’s health and reproduction. The best way to avoid feeding your cows spoiled feed is to remove it at least six inches from the ground and store it in a clean, straight, and dry place.
Hay with high moisture content has a high risk of rotting. When this happens, the feed can cause a fire that can be dangerous. This type of hay often contains chemical preservatives, like hydrogen cyanide, which can be lethal. Propionic acid, on the other hand, doesn’t produce hydrogen cyanide.
If you’re storing hay for less than 3 days, it’s a good idea to cover it with a tarp. This will keep the hay from getting too wet or too dry, which will lower the quality. Another way to protect your hay is to stack the bales in a pyramid shape. Also, avoid placing the tarp directly underneath the bales, as this can cause water to pool inside the tarp.
Avoiding brewer’s grain
Avoiding brewer’s grain for cattle can lead to off-flavors in cow milk. While it is generally safe to use as a supplement to cow diets, this grain should not be fed to cows right after milking. This is because wet brewer’s grain has an acid-base imbalance and can make cow milk taste sour. Sodium bicarbonate is used to remedy this problem.
Brewer’s grain is a waste product from the beer and ethanol industry. Cows can use these grains to produce milk and meat. These products are often included in commercial grain mixes. But it’s important to remember that these grain mixtures will quickly spoil if fed to cows.
Another concern with brewer’s grain is its high moisture content. It can stretch and be hard to sort. It’s also ill-suited for stockpiling. Because of its high moisture content, it is a good medium for yeast and bacteria growth. That means it should be fed right away, rather than sitting around waiting for the perfect time to use it.
