Abstract
Background/ Objectives: Aflatoxin B1, a potent carcinogen is produced by Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries. Natural contamination of aflatoxin in Bihar is fairly high due to socio-economic backwardness and also outdated agricultural and storages practices. Methods/ Statistical analysis: In the present investigation cattle feeds collected in different seasons (Winter, Summer and Monsoon) from three different localities (Bhagalpur, Banka and Naugachia) were screened for aflatoxin B1. Analysis of Variance has been done with the help of Microsoft Excel, 2013 (USA). CD has been calculated at 5%. Findings: The amount of aflatoxin B1 was significantly high (P<0.05%) in household cattle feeds followed by commercial cattle feeds, where the mean value of AFB1 was 5.02 ± 2.46µg/kg and 4.19 ± 1.05µg/kg, respectively. Freshly harvested cattle feeds (maize, paddy husk, paddy straw, maize straw and green grasses) were comparatively safe. Seasons had marked influence on aflatoxin B1 contamination on various types of cattle feeds. Maximum levels of aflatoxin B1 was detected during wet seasons in household cattle feeds (Mean value = 7.79 ± 2.07µg/kg). Maize grains because of high nutritional value and production, it is one of the major ingredients of cattle feeds. In the locality of Naugachia, flood and frequent rains delay the natural drying of maize kernels during harvesting in monsoons resulting thereby, high mould infestation and aflatoxin synthesis. Novelty/ Applications: In order to check the risk of aflatoxin M1 toxin entrance in food chain and subsequent human/ cattle health and economic losses, frequent evaluation of AFB1 in cattle feeds be monitored. Keywords: mycotoxin; aflatoxin B1; cattle feed; seasonal variation; ANOVA test; Bihar
Highlights
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi which contaminate food and feed and can cause toxic effects in cattle and human beings[1,2,3,4,5]
The amount of aflatoxin B1 was high (5.02 ± 2.46 μg/kg) in the household cattle feed samples [ Table 2]. This amount of toxin was significantly high (p
High temperature (25 - 45oC), high humidity (>80%) and improper storage systems prevailing in this area provide congenial condition for A. flavus growth and aflatoxin synthesis
Summary
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of fungi which contaminate food and feed and can cause toxic effects in cattle and human beings[1,2,3,4,5]. A. flavus infestation and aflatoxin synthesis on food and feed commodities are a global problem especially in tropical and subtropical countries like India, where the climatic conditions are quite congenial for its growth. Aflatoxin contamination in cereal grains and other agricultural commodities being utilized as ingredients of animal feed can occur at different stages throughout the food chain. Milk being the complete food, is mostly prescribed to infants, children and old aged people [19,20] Those people in turn become more susceptible to the adverse effects of milk toxin (AFM1) as they have comparatively low immunity. European commission (EU) has set a maximum limit of 5μg/kg and 20 μg/kg for aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2), respectively
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