Mitigation of aflatoxin in cattle feed to prevent contamination in milk and milk products

Aflatoxin contamination in cattle feed and its subsequent biotransformation into Aflatoxin M1 (AFM₁) in milk represents a significant food safety challenge, particularly in tropical regions. The present study investigated various strategies to control and reduce aflatoxin levels in both cattle feed and milk. Preventive measures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles were emphasized to limit fungal growth and toxin production across pre-harvest, storage and processing stages. Experimental approaches included the application of plant extracts, chemical compounds, light exposure, dietary supplementation with activated carbon and thermal treatment of milk. Among the tested plant extracts, Azadirachta indica demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity, achieving a 52.4% reduction in Aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁), followed by Euphorbia hirta, Ocimum sanctum, Ricinus communis, and Thuja orientalis. Volatile organic compounds were comparatively more effective, with acetic acid showing the maximum reduction (83.1%) in AFB₁ levels. Light-based treatments exhibited moderate efficacy, with ultraviolet light reducing AFB₁ by 23%, whereas, sunlight achieved a 12% reduction. Animal trials further indicated that supplementation of cattle feed with 2% activated carbon significantly decreased the carry-over of aflatoxins into milk, with reductions ranging from 15.9% to 44.4%. Thermal processing of milk showed differential effects, with ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment (140°C for 3 seconds) resulting in the highest reduction (41.46%) of AFM₁, followed by treatment at 121°C. The findings suggest that a combined approach integrating preventive management, natural plant-derived inhibitors, chemical treatments and processing technologies is effective in mitigating aflatoxin contamination. Among the evaluated methods, neem extract, acetic acid, activated carbon supplementation and UHT processing emerged as the most promising strategies for enhancing the safety of cattle feed and milk, thereby contributing to improved public health outcomes.