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The risk of aflatoxin in dairy cows
Understanding the threat to milk quality and dairy health
Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, pose a significant threat to dairy cattle health and milk safety. As toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus and related species, these compounds have far-reaching implications for animal health and dairy production. The ingestion of aflatoxin-contaminated feeds leads to aflatoxicosis in cattle, a condition that not only impairs animal health but also impacts the safety of dairy products.
Figure 1. Mycotoxin contamination distribution of Grass Silage, Maize Silage and Ruminant feed samples collected from 25 different countries. Number of samples: 10.496; Date: 1/1/2022 – 21/12/2023. Source: Selko, 2023
Figure 2. Aflatoxin (AF) exposure in total mixed ration (TMR) of dairy cows and aflatoxin M1 occurrence in raw milk (mean±SD). (a-d) Means of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk or aflatoxin in TMR (A-D ) with different letters are statistically different (P<0.01). Source: Hernandez-Valdivia et al. 2020)
Aflatoxin toxicology and impact on dairy cattle health
Aflatoxins can contaminate a variety of crops, with maize, peanuts, and tree nuts being particularly susceptible. Dairy cows are at risk of aflatoxin exposure when their feed contains contaminated ingredients. The occurrence of aflatoxin in feed batches is influenced by various factors, including storage conditions and the quality of the feed ingredients. Aflatoxins are a group of toxic mycotoxins, with aflatoxin B1 being the most potent. These compounds are primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in feedstuffs, especially under conditions of high humidity and temperature. (See Figure 1)
The susceptibility of dairy cows to aflatoxins varies, but the consistent consumption of aflatoxin contaminated feed can lead to severe health issues and liver damage. The pathogenesis of aflatoxicosis involves the ingestion of aflatoxin-contaminated feeds, leading to the absorption and systemic distribution of these toxins. Aflatoxin B1 toxicity primarily affects the liver, causing cellular damage and disrupting normal metabolic processes. The liver damage resulting from aflatoxin exposure can be severe, leading to diminished health and productivity in dairy cows. This, in turn, results in lower milk yields, negatively affecting the economic viability of dairy operations. Aflatoxins also have immunosuppressive effects, compromising the cow’s ability to mount an effective immune response. This makes dairy more susceptible to various diseases, including mastitis and other infections. (See Figure 2)
Table 1. Aflatoxin M1 limits in milk set by different countries and regions. Source: Vaz et al. 2020
Effects of aflatoxin on milk quality and safety
Beyond the direct impact on dairy cows, aflatoxin-contaminated feed can result in the presence of aflatoxins in milk. Aflatoxin M1, a metabolite of aflatoxin B1, can be excreted in the milk of cows that consume contaminated feed. This presents a potential health risk to humans, as aflatoxin M1 is a known carcinogen. To safeguard both dairy cow health and milk quality, regulatory bodies worldwide have established limits for aflatoxin levels in feed and food products (Table 1).
Farmers are advised to regularly monitor both feed and milk for aflatoxin contamination. If aflatoxin levels exceed the permissible limits, appropriate measures must be taken to prevent further exposure and contamination.
Dietary mitigation strategies for aflatoxin
To control aflatoxicosis in dairy cattle, various dietary mitigation strategies have been developed. Consider the use of a mycotoxin binder like Selko TOXO-MX in the feed. Selko TOXO-MX can help reduce the absorption of aflatoxins in the digestive tract, minimizing their negative effects on dairy cows and milk quality. Additionally, balanced nutrition can help improve the overall health and resilience of dairy cows, reducing their susceptibility to aflatoxins.
Ensure that feed ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers and regularly test feed for aflatoxin contamination. Implement strict quality control measures throughout the supply chain. Selko uses the Mycomaster system to check raw materials, silages, feeds and milk for different mycotoxins, including aflatoxins. Based on the mycotoxin concentrations, NutriOpt Mycotoxin Adviser provides customers-specific interpretations on what those concentrations mean and how the toxicity can be managed with the use of right dose of mycotoxin mitigation product.
The management of aflatoxin in dairy cows
The management of aflatoxin in dairy cows is critical for animal health and the safety of dairy products. The integration of effective dietary mitigation strategies, rigorous monitoring of aflatoxin concentrations in feedstuffs, and advanced understanding of the toxicology and pathogenesis of aflatoxicosis are essential. Future research should focus on developing more efficient methods for the detection and control of aflatoxins in feeds, as well as exploring novel nutritional approaches to enhance the resilience of dairy cattle against these toxic compounds. The goal remains clear: safeguarding the health of dairy cattle and ensuring the safety and quality of milk and dairy products for consumers worldwide.
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Problems with mycotoxins in dairy cattle are not always easy to recognise
The moulds that produce mycotoxins are sometimes visible when crops are harvested, but the mycotoxins themselves are invisible. Thus, mycotoxins will only be found in dairy feedstuffs if it is being analysed. Yet, even if the feed is being analysed, there is still the risk of sampling error and “masked” mycotoxins. These masked mycotoxins are conjugates of mycotoxins that are formed by plant metabolism and cannot be detected with standard methods.
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