Effects of dietary aflatoxin on existing bacterial intramammary infections of dairy cows

Aflatoxin, a naturally occurring mycotoxin with immunosuppressive properties, was given to 4 lactating dairy cows that had experimentally induced or naturally occurring mammary infections in 2 of their 4 mammary quarters. Aflatoxin was given orally in daily doses approximating 0.3 mg of B1 activity/kg of body weight for periods of 12 to 14 days. Infecting organisms were Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus hyicus. The 4 cows were monitored for clinical signs of disease and signs of mastitis for periods before, during, and after aflatoxin consumption. The cows developed inappetence, lost body weight, and had variable reductions in daily milk yield. Serum ornithine-carbamoyl transferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities were elevated during and 1 to 3 weeks after aflatoxin consumption. Exacerbations of acute clinical mastitis did not occur in any of the infected quarters; however, bacterial populations in the milk increased in 3 of the 4 cows during aflatoxin consumption. Mean California mastitis test scores were generally highest in the infected quarters in the period after the last dose of aflatoxin was given. Aflatoxin M1 appeared in milk 3 to 6 hours after aflatoxin consumption began, and persisted for 72 hours or longer after the last dose of aflatoxin was given. Aflatoxin B1 and M1 were present in urine samples taken at 6 hours after aflatoxin consumption began and persisted for 72 through 120 hours after the last dose of aflatoxin was given.