BIOMIN is the world leader in mycotoxin risk management because BIOMIN invests in the technology and brain power to find new and better solutions. Knowledge of the characteristics of binders and how mycotoxins with “suitably located polar sites” are bound continues and has guided BIOMIN in selecting exceptional binders that bind mycotoxins over the range of pHs in digestive systems. Specifically selected bentonites and diatomites reduce the risk of “bindable” mycotoxins, mainly aflatoxins, fumonisins (a fusarium toxin) and ochratoxins.

While binders are known as the “first generation” of products that reduce the risk of mycotoxins they are as important today as ever. Rumen microbes convert some of aflatoxin B1 to a metabolite known as AFM1, a carcinogenic compound that is excreted into the milk and poses a health hazard to humans consuming the milk. Yet, when a good binder is in the ration, the aflatoxin is bound and eliminated in the feces rather than contaminating milk. The animals consuming the toxin also suffer organ damage, mainly liver and kidneys, and other health impairing effects but are averted with a quality binder. Not all mycotoxin risks, however, can be handled with binders.

The Fusarium molds produce a host of mycotoxins that hinder animal performance and health. The major fusarium toxins of concern are the Trichothecenes (Deoxynivalenol (DON or Vomitoxin), Ac-DONs, Nivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, DAS and more), Zearalenone and Fumonisins (bindable). Even though the fusarium mycotoxins may be “polar”, the risk of these toxins cannot be managed with binders because the polar sites are not situated such that they can “bind” to a binder (except Fumonisins). While not bindable, these toxins can be detoxified by biotransformation, technology gained from ruminants.

The Mycofix^® product range that detoxifies by biotransformation enzymatically alters the structure of the mycotoxins to produce nontoxic end products. Modern high producing ruminants, such as dairy cows, have the ability to detoxify trichothecenes (DON, Ac-DON, T-2 toxin, etc.), but they also consume large quantities of feed that pass through the rumen more quickly, and less of the toxins present are detoxified and pass into the small intestine. Here the mycotoxins are absorbed into the blood stream as in monogastrics. Zearalenone is not detoxified in the rumen but a more toxic (estrogenic) metabolite can be produced and absorbed. Therefore, supplementing ruminant rations with the latest generation of BIOMIN’s biotransformation products reduces the risk of mycotoxins when the level consumed exceeds the detoxifying capacity of the rumen.

The most complete product in the market to protect ruminant animals from mycotoxins contains specifically selected binders to prevent the absorption of bindable mycotoxins and the biotransformation products that enzymatically convert trichothecenes and zearalenone to nontoxic end products.

Biomin^® P.E.P. products are natural growth promoter products (NGPs) used to maintain digestive health in young ruminants before the rumen is developed. Biomin^® P.E.P. products are formulated to meet different needs and production systems. Accordingly, while the essential oils from oregano, citrus and anise are consistent across the different formulation, other ingredients, such as momoglycerides or fructooligosaccharides may be incorporated to meet the needs of the feeding situation. Biomin^® P.E.P. sol powder is added to milk and milk replacers to reduce digestive upset and maintain performance and health of the preweaned calf. Biomin^® P.E.P. 125 is a dry product for adding to calf starters. When neither Biomin^® P.E.P. sol powder or Biomin^® P.E.P. 125 is administered, Biomin^® P.E.P. liquid can be given on an as-needed-basis should digestive upsets cause scours.

The beneficial effects of yeasts in dairy are known and utilized for more than one century. Levabon^® Rumen represents a yeast product (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which contains a mixture of cell wall carbohydrates, peptides, essential amino acids and B-vitamins. Those bioactive ingredients have prebiotic capabilities and thus stimulate the growth of fiber digesting bacteria. The benefits are improved feed intake, improved nutrient availability and as a result an overall improved ruminant health.

…is designed using selected homo- and heterofermentative bacteria formulated for optimal anaerobic and aerobic stability of silages. As well as an improved fermentation process and excellent aerobic stability, it proved to have a preserving effect on the energy content in the silages in many laboratory and field trials conducted worldwide.

The Biomin^® BioStabil product line is suitable for the ensiling of very diverse substrates like grass, alfalfa, clover and whole plant maize and maize grains.

The Biomin^® BioStabil product line contains strains of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus spp. in optimal ratios of homo- to hetero-fermentative bacteria. Maize silages, commonly known as unstable under aerobic conditions, can also be ensiled with excellent results.

The Biomin^® BioStabil product line is also designed to preserve the nutrients, and to reduce the energy and ammonia losses in the ensiled material. The production of lactic and acetic acids is adequate, striking a balance between fermentation quality, aerobic stability and palatability. The Biomin^® BioStabil product line contains naturally occurring live microorganisms in silages, which are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

Advantages of Biomin^® BioStabil product line:

• Effective use in various forage crops and DM contents
• Accelerated acidification avoiding energy losses
• Excellent aerobic stability (for at least 7 days)
• Low DM and energy losses after opening of the silos