Afflatoxine Effect on Livestock Health: A Review

Aflatoxins have been the cause of numerous deaths in livestock and it also the cause for economic losses. Aflatoxins belong to a group of mycotoxins that are produced by fungi species (molds) as they grow on their substrates. The major ones are aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, thus named depending on their fluorescence under blue and green light. Aspergillus parasiticus can synthesize AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. AFB1=AFM1>AFG1>AFB2=AFM2>AFG2 from strongest to weakest in terms of toxicity. Pigs so affected became lethargic, did not eat, and eventually became hypothermic, icteric, and had blood in their feces. Acute aflatoxicosis is characterized by an acute hepatotoxic disease that manifests itself with depression, anorexia, jaundice, hemorrhages, edema of the lower extremities, abdominal pain and vomiting. Chronic exposure leads liver cancer. The major target organ for aflatoxins in animals is the liver. Aflatoxins are probably not major causes of livestock disease and low productivity, but are contributing factors which are likely to become more important as livestock production intensifies. The animal feeds most likely to be contaminated are maize, cottonseed, and groundnuts. These feeds are at high risk for aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxins cannot be detected by sight or smell in contaminated food or feed. Aflatoxins are not eliminated by boiling, cooking, or by processing into compound feeds. Animal source foods, especially milk, may also contain aflatoxins if animals eat contaminated feeds. This is often the case with milk; carry-over rates are relatively high, consumption is high, and milk is often given to infants and young children who are most at-risk for negative health outcomes related to aflatoxin exposure. Affected animals may exhibit reduced feed consumption, weight loss, and reduction in production. The more significant effects in cattle may occur when animals consume lower levels of aflatoxins and chronic effects appear such as reduced reproductivity, immunosuppression, and reduced feed efficiency. An increase in dietary protein protects against adverse effects of the toxin. Feeding of extra vitamins, A and K could also decrease the detrimental effects of aflatoxins. The prevention ways are removing the sources; promotes better agricultural and storage techniques; have good resources for testing and early diagnosis; strict food quality standards; General awareness and personal protection; Better livestock feeding & management.