Mycotoxins in Animal Feed: Implications for Livestock Health and Food Safety

Haris Ayoub1, Aakir Ahmad Kutay2, Vibha Singh1, Akash Balasaheb Mote1, Sanjumon E S1, Amitava Paul3, Aaliya Fayaz4, Anuradha Panwar51Division of Veterinary Public Health, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India2Division of Animal Nutrition, FVSc & AH, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, R.S. Pura, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India3 Department of Veterinary Pathology, CAU, Aizwal, Mizoram, India4Division of Livestock Production and Management, FVSc & AH, SKUAST, Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India5Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaCorresponding author: Haris Ayoub* harisayoub018@gmail.com doi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23322687

Abstract

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi that contaminate crops and stored agricultural products, posing significant risks to livestock health and food safety. Important mycotoxins include aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A and zearalenone, which can affect animal growth, immunity, organ function and reproductive performance. Aflatoxins are of particular concern in dairy production because aflatoxin B1 consumed through contaminated feed can be converted into aflatoxin M1 and excreted in milk. This transfer creates a potential food-safety hazard, as conventional milk processing, including pasteurisation, does not reliably eliminate aflatoxin M1. Indian studies have demonstrated contamination in dairy-animal feed and milk samples, highlighting the importance of surveillance while recognising that findings from individual studies do not represent current national prevalence. Moisture management, appropriate drying, hygienic storage, representative sampling and laboratory testing are essential for risk reduction. Suspected contaminated feed should be managed according to veterinary, laboratory and regulatory guidance. An integrated One Health approach involving farmers, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, laboratories and food-safety authorities can strengthen prevention and protect animal health, consumer safety and the sustainability of livestock production.Keywords- Mycotoxins; Aflatoxins; Aflatoxin B1; Aflatoxin M1; Animal feed contamination; Dairy safety; Milk quality; Feed storage; Food safety; One Health