binding agents in addition to milk thistle and grape seed extract. While the activated mineral binding agents give a high degree of irreversible binding of mycotoxins, including DON, the milk thistle and grape seed extract support antioxidative processes, liver metabolism and strengthen the immune defences of the animal. This is supported by both in-vitro and in-vivo trials in dairy
cows, laying hens and sows. Results carried out on cows and sows in Germany have demonstrated that, in the presence of feed contaminated with the field typical levels of mycotoxins, the addition of BIO Tox Activ8 to the diets of dairy cows decreased the levels of the mycotoxin DON in milk from 70 to 17 ppb, increased the milk yield from 31.3 litres per cow per day to 33.8 litres per cow per day, delivered increases in milk fat and protein, with a corresponding decrease in somatic cell count. These results were further strengthened by a reduction in the level of aspartate aminotransferase, which is an indicator of improved liver health delivered by the milk thistle and phytogenic component of BIO Tox Activ8 (Table 1).
Table 1. Dairy cow feed and milk parameters were improved by the addition of BIO Tox Activ8
Parameter Mycotoxin TMR
Mycotoxin milk Milking average Milk fat
Milk protein
Somatic cell count ASAT (blood)
Before Trial
1150 ppb DON 119 ppb ZEA 70 ppb
31.3 kg/cow/day 3.66 % 3.20 %
475 [x1000/ml] >2000 nkat/l
End of trial
1519 ppb DON 163 ppb ZEA 17.3 ppb
33.8 kg/cow/day 4.05 % 3.29 %
390 [x1000/ml] 1689 nkat/l
Similar improvements in milk production were observed in
sows. The addition of BIO Tox Activ8 in the lactation diet delivered an increase in weaned piglets per sow (11.67 for BIO Tox Activ8 vs 11.46 for the control). BIO Tox Aciv8 was fed only in the lactation diet and delivered this increase in weaned piglets, even with a poorer starting point of fewer total piglets born and fewer live-born piglets as illustrated in Figure 1 and Table 2. The addition of BIO Tox Activ8 to the lactation sow diet was able to increase piglet growth rates,
Table 2. BioTox Activ8 resulted in more weaned piglets, even with fewer piglets born
Piglets per sow on average
Total born Live-born
Stillborn Number day 4 Weaned in average Control
18.71 16.61
2.11
13.43 11.46
Activ8
18.19 15.48
2.70
13.56 11.67
Figure 1. With a lower number of piglets born the use of BIO Tox Activ8 increased the number of weaned piglets beyond that of the control diet.
while also increasing feed intake in the sows, giving less loss of sow body condition. With milk production being a critical parameter, particularly when
discussing piglet survival in large litters, strategies that holistically improve sow and cow health are vitally important. As such, mycotoxin binders are often added as a precaution. Even with the advent of milk supplementation, the first two or three days of colostrum then milk production often remains the role of the sow. During this period, piglet survivability can be negatively affected. BIO Tox Activ8 offers a new approach with a unique set of properties to counter these threats in cases of true environmental challenge or perceived challenge. The development of this product builds on experience gathered in all major livestock species, using tested mineral binding agents and phytogenic solutions gained over decades of experience from the development team at Biochem in Germany. BIO Tox Activ8 should be considered in the diets of livestock
when mycotoxins are considered a threat or if a safety margin of defence against mycotoxins is required. BIO Tox Activ8 binds even the most challenging mycotoxins such as DON, as evidenced in field trials in dairy cows. Mycotoxins result in damage to the gut barrier function, opening a pathway for the translocation of endotoxins from the gut lumen into the bloodstream. In all animal species, this presents a risk, particularly during periods of intense milk production of reproductive animals like dairy cows and sows in the farrowing house. The addition of phytogenic components to the mineral binding agents assists in the management of oxidative stress and liver health that are required by modern highly productive sows and cows. It is these additional components that make BIO Tox Activ8 not just a mycotoxin binder, but a holistic tool which aids in keeping the cow, sow and her piglets productive at this critical period. Via the improvements in liver health and reduction of metabolic stressors, the effect of the combination is stronger than the sum of the individual parts.
FEED COMPOUNDER MARCH/APRIL 2023 PAGE 33
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