Association between aflatoxin M1 excretion in milk and indicators of rumen fermentation in bovines

Aflatoxins and its metabolites negatively impact the ruminant health and production. The present cross-sectional study was aimed to determine the effect of aflatoxins on rumen fermentation by deducing the correlation between the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) excretion in milk and indicators of rumen fermentation in bovines. The indicators of rumen fermentation were taken into account and correlated with AFM1 concentration in milk of 120 bovines (cattle (n = 82) and buffalo (n = 38)). The AFM1 in milk samples (n = 120) was quantified by ELISA kit. The correlation analysis revealed that with increase in excretion of AFM1 in milk, the pH (r = 0.38), methylene blue reduction time (MBRT) (r = 0.43), sedimentation activity time (SAT) (r = 0.31) and ammonia nitrogen content (r = 0.34) of rumen liquor increase, whereas the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) content (r =  - 0.25), total bacterial count (TBC) (r =  - 0.43) and total protozoal count (TPC) (r =  - 0.14) of rumen liquor decrease. The results of the present study suggest that the presence of aflatoxins in rumen could have negative effect on the process of rumen fermentation. Therefore, the prevention of primary entry point(s) of AFB1 through the feed of bovines is important for the animal health as well as public health.