Practical programs to improve on-farm profitability highlighted at Farm World

Increased demand on animal performance and productivity inevitably brings new challenges and risks to modern animal production. Addressing the unavoidable risk of mycotoxins was a hot topic at the Alltech booth at Farm World, which attracted more than 50,000 people to Lardner Park in Warragul, April 7–10.

The Alltech team spoke to many farmers and agriculture executives about the presence of mycotoxins in Australia and the importance of having a documented mycotoxin control program in place.

“Our mycotoxin surveys results indicated that we are dealing with an average of more than five mycotoxins per feed sample in Australia,” said Dr. Susanne Roth, ruminant sales and marketing manager at Alltech.

“The Alltech^® Mycotoxin Management program was developed to help control mycotoxins through a combination of mycotoxin management programs and technologies,” Roth continued. “The Alltech 37+^® mycotoxin analysis program was designed to detect and address the risk caused by more than 37 mycotoxins in finished feeds, raw materials and forages. With this program, our team can help to pinpoint the specific cause of a mycotoxin problem and customise recommendations to minimise risks on-farm and increase herd profitability.”

Farm World attendees who visited the Alltech booth were also interested in the Alltech^® Protein Management program. Alltech began producing Optigen II^™, a safe, slow-release nitrogen source, in Australia last year in order to satisfy increased demand from Australian farmers.

“Optigen II can help farmers overcome variation in pasture quality and availability,” said Roth. “Used on top of a low-protein ration or as a substitute for expensive vegetable protein, Optigen II feeds fibre-digesting bugs, increasing feed efficiency, which leads to improved dry matter intake and milk production.”

Nigel Griffin, Alltech Australia area sales manager and on-farm support team member for East Gippsland, was also on hand at the Alltech booth and spoke to many attendees about the importance of feed efficiency.

“Undigested feed is basically a waste of money in the manure,” explained Griffin. “By examining manure samples on-farm, we are able to estimate the efficiency of rumen fermentation and get an overall picture of rumen health.

“When cows are fed Yea-Sacc^® to support fibre digestion and assist rumen pH stability, we see a reduction in undigested material,” continued Griffin. “More digested feed means more milk and more money in the pocket of the farmer.”

Mariah Campbell from Mirboo North won an Alltech dairy on-farm assessment (valued at $300) at Farm World. The assessment identifies losses and helps farmers find areas for improvement in order to achieve performance goals.

For more information, contact Dr. Susanne Roth: sroth@alltech.com.