Evaluation of a sequestrant used to reduce aflatoxin M

Fungal grains contamination must be avoided, since the quality and safety of feed conditions are determinants for animal health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a sequestrant agent to reduce the bioavailability of aflatoxins in the animal organism. A diet contaminated with a total daily dose of 1140 µg of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and another diet with the same concentration of AFB1 and 50 g of sequestrant MYCO-AD (Special Nutrients, EEUU), were administered to dairy cows in production. The concentrations of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) (µg/L) in milk were quantified by HPLC-fluorescence detection; in urine, AFM1 was quantified by ELISA. Blood samples were collected from the coccyx of all cows to determine their metabolic profiles, including energy levels, liver function indicators, protein levels and ionic balance biomarkers, using colorimetric assay. Milk production and concentrations of AFM1was recorded throughout the experiment. During the feeding period, milk production of the group fed a diet artificially contaminated with AFB1 was compared to the group treated with feed artificially contaminated with AFB1 and the sequestrant. Quantification of AFM1 in urine can be used to determine exposure to these mycotoxins in non-lactating animals. The results showed that the global transfer rate of AFB1 to AFM1 in milk was more than halved form 1.04% in the control group to 0.48% in the MYCO-AD group. The milk production was not affected by the inclusion of the sequestrant. The sequestrant reduces the bioavailability of AFB1 without affecting the production and health of the cows.