In the herds with the poor digestion, total dry matter intake is often high. The cows are probably trying to compensate for a digested energy deficiency by eating more. Last year we often observed that, with positive Vomitoxin tests, there were low butterfat tests and a sensitivity to normal grain levels. Symptoms may vary because Vomitoxin is an indicator for other toxins and the actual combination of toxins in the feed may vary with different growing conditions. That can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and result in increased disease outbreaks, such as salmonella infections.
Mycotoxins can cause damage to membrane tissues.
Increasing the levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals such as selenium will give some protection. The Fusarium toxin, Zearalenone, acts like an estrogen hormone causing reproduction failure, abortions, uterus infections, and even mammary gland enlargement in virgin heifers. Bentonite clay products were very effective at internally binding aflatoxin and neutralizing it in the past. Unfortunately, they are not very effective at binding the Fusarium mycotoxins, especially Vomitoxin. Bentonite products also absorb and tie up certain vitamins and trace minerals resulting in deficiencies when fed over 90 days.