Survey of aflatoxin content in Swiss concentrate feeds for dairy cattle

Within the context of restrictive Federal measures, the Swiss concentrate feeds for dairy cattle have been periodically surveyed and analyzed for aflatoxin content. In these commercial feeds, the average aflatoxin B1 content decreased sharply from 47 micrograms/kg in the winter of 1976-1977 (period prior to restrictive measures) to 24 micrograms/kg in the winter of 1977-1978 and to 3 micrograms/kg in the winter of 1978-1979. Work made public by the Federal Office of Public Health, reveals a corresponding downward trend for aflatoxin M1 concentration levels in milk from 109 ng/kg in the winter of 1976-1977 to 44 ng/kg in the winter of 1977-1978 and to 10 ng/kg in the winter of 1978-1979. This record indicates that the feed control measures taken were effective in reducing milk contamination by aflatoxins.