Success StoryExtension Helps a Producer Avoid Livestock Loss and Adulterated Feed Purchase



Extension Helps a Producer Avoid Livestock Loss and Adulterated Feed Purchase

Author: Eric Baker

Planning Unit: Estill County CES

Major Program: Swine

Plan of Work: Marketing, Diversifying, and Managing Local Agriculture

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Farmers search for cheaper sources of livestock feed to improve net farm income without sacrificing animal performance. With soybean meal cost near $310 per ton and local grain producers selling damaged whole soybeans at a discount, some livestock producers consider purchasing discounted grain to include in their animal rations. There are many factors to consider before feeding damaged grains to livestock including the presence of lethal mycotoxins. In order to make the best decision, an Estill County producer consulted with the local UK Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources to determine the protein level of local whole soybeans damaged due to wet weather and a late harvest. The producer considered purchasing 200 bushels of whole, damaged soybeans to feed in his swine operation. He asked how to have the protein level checked and provided a quart sample. Upon inspection by the county agent, there was dust, mold, cracked and darkened soybeans in the sample. The agent quickly pointed out the possibility of mycotoxins in moldy grain and the need to consult a UK specialist and possibly test for aflatoxins. The producer asked the agent to call as soon as there was more information. The agent emailed a digital image of the soybean sample and details to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab ruminant veterinarian and she advised not to feed the damaged soybeans to livestock, especially swine as they are more sensitive to mycotoxins. The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab toxicologist agreed and further stated the grain could have major problems with fungal growth, poor nutritional quality, and probability of a variety of mycotoxins with risks to both the animals and the humans handling it. The county agent contacted the producer with caution not to purchase the damaged soybeans for the reasons stated above. The producer was appreciative of the guidance and stated that we saved him money and helped him avoid losing livestock. The UK Cooperative Extension agent and specialists were pleased to help avoid a disaster with this producer and be a relevant and valuable source of research-based information for our citizens.






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