We have received numerous reports this fall from both boar studs and producers who are facing challenges when feeding new crop corn that may contain higher levels of mold or mycotoxins. The increase in mold spore activity is due largely to a much cooler and wetter growing season in many parts of the Midwest.
Feeding any mycotoxin contaminated products (most commonly corn or dried distillers grains) carries some serious health risks to both boars and sows.
Although there is very little research regarding mycotoxicity in boars, the general physiological stress that ingesting these molds can cause the reproductive tract to degrade affecting the overall quality and quantity of the ejaculate.
Recently, we have seen an increase in reports of poor quality ejaculates and what appears to be yeast like infections on penile tissue. Mycotoxin related symptoms for an ejaculate are: poor motility, quivering sperm cells, non motile, strait tailed cells, an increase in sperm cell clumping and an increase in cellular debris.
Here are some tips to minimize the impacts of mycotoxins on semen quality:
- Don't feed Dried Distillers Grains (DDG). Mycotoxins can be concentrated as much as 10 fold in some DDG's.
- The Addition of non-nutrient binding agents such as sodium bentonite and certain zeolites to complete feed rations are strongly recommended that are available from commercial feed companies.
- Collect only the sperm rich fraction of the ejaculate. This portion of the ejaculate is the milky white that is seen in the first 100 mL. Collecting the sperm rich fraction reduces the concentration of toxins in the collection.
- Dilute the collection as quickly as possible with PreservTM Xtra. It contains a very potent anti oxidizing agent tha can neutralize harmful agents.
- After processing, monitor a sample from each batch of semen for "livability" until the labeled shelf life of the product has expired. We recommend checking the samples on days 1, 3 and 7 (where day 1 is the first day after collection).
- For producers and boar studs using PreservTM Xtra, PreservTM 725 or PreservTM Lt, send us 4 random doses monthly for a complete semen analysis at no cost. We will help you stay on top of keeping the right number of viable cells in your doses to optimize reproductive performance.
A vast amount of detailed information on mycotoxins can be also found on this website: http://www.knowmycotoxins.com/ppig.htm
Please contact us with any questions or if you have a need for further resources.
