Dairy Cattle in Mississippi
Aflatoxin Level in Feedstuffs
Lactating dairy animals are a special concern because low levels of aflatoxins in their feed can result in unacceptable levels passing into the milk. This can lead to a producer's milk being dumped.
The following guidelines for feeding levels of aflatoxins are considered safe under normal conditions. Animals under stress, or disease situations, may react to lower levels: 1) Corn containing greater than 20 part per billion (ppb) should not be fed to young animals of any species. 2) The total rations of lactating dairy cows should contain less than 30 ppb on a dry basis.
Analysis of feedstuffs for aflatoxin is available at most forage testing laboratories.
