One of the greatest disappointments and sources of economic loss on a dairy farm today is to discover that a bunker, silo, bag or pile is causing poor production performance as a result of poor fermentation. Forage moisture, density, color, odor, texture and the appearance of mold or slime, are all good clues that something went wrong. Low milk production, low intake and certain metabolic disorders such as ketosis can also be good qualitative signs of fermentation problems. But to be certain, and to quantify the degree of fermentation challenge, lab analysis is necessary. Your Vita Plus consultant can offer advice for the most accurate analysis, interpret the results, and help solve this problem quickly and prevent it in the future.

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The term "mold" is used to define thousands of species of fungi, many of which are present naturally in the environment. While many molds themselves are benign and are actually used in beneficial ways, other molds can produce mycotoxins which may be harmful. Mold contamination can occur at many stages from planting to feed-out. Several requirements are key in reducing mold growth, including a nutrient source, oxygen, moisture, proper pH and proper temperature. Proper storage of your high moisture feeds is crucial in preventing mold growth:

• Oxygen Removal - oxygen-limiting structures should be checked for leaks. When using bunker silos and bags, removal of oxygen through use of proper packing and covering techniques is critical.
• Moisture - While molds need moisture to grow, so do the beneficial bacteria that are responsible for proper fermentation. Ensiling feedstuffs at the proper moisture content along with oxygen removal will ensure maximum production of natural fermentation acids that will lower silage pH and inhibit mold growth.
• Temperature - Molds need warmth to grow. Ensuring adequate feed-out rates will prevent mold and yeast growth at the silage face. Likewise, use of proven bacterial inoculants can help stabilize feeds at feed-out.
• Inoculants - When applied properly, use of proven inoculants chosen for your feeding situation can help reduce mold formation and spoilage losses.

To learn more about molds, mycotoxins and forage spoilage, check out these resources:

Feeding mold-contaminated feedstuffs can have a myriad of negative and often long-lasting effects on animal health and productivity at all stages of production. While the molds themselves may not always be a problem, the mycotoxins produced by the molds often will be. Solutions include:

• Complete removal - This is the preferred, though likely least enjoyable, solution. Whether in vertical structures or bunker silos, removing moldy feed with a pitchfork or shovel and disposing of it is the best strategy.
• Dilution - If other complementary feedstuffs are available and if contamination is not severe, diluting the contaminated feed with clean feeds may be helpful.
• Mold and mycotoxin binders - Several products are available that have proven some efficacy in binding mycotoxins.

To learn more about molds, mycotoxins and forage spoilage, check out these resources: