Effect of toxin binder feeding on body weight, milk and components yield, and aflatoxin M1 excretion in crossbred lactating cows

Mycotoxin contamination of livestock feed poses a significant threat to animal health, productivity, and food safety. To overcome this, study was conducted to evaluate the effect of toxin binder supplementation on body weight, body condition score, milk yield and composition, and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) excretion in milk of crossbred lactating cows. Eighteen multiparous cows (75% Holstein Friesian × 25% Kankrej- Indian Zebu), similar in milk yield, days in milk, and lactation numbers were randomly divided into three groups of six each and fed for 70 days. The control group (T1) fed basal total mixed ration (TMR) without toxin binder, and two supplemented groups receiving toxin binder at 50 g/day (T2) and 100 g/day (T3). The toxin binder comprised hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (bentonite), organic acids, mannan oligosaccharides, Bacillus (direct-fed microbial), oxine copper, and herbal ingredients. Toxin binder supplementation improved (p < 0.001) milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk yields, with T2 showing the highest increase. Milk composition was maintained in T2 but declined at higher dosage (T3). Despite greater aflatoxin B1 intake with higher feed consumption, toxin binder markedly reduced AFM1 concentration and excretion in milk by 76.8–78.7% and 73.2–75.2%, respectively, compared with control, and lowered bio-concentration and carry-over percentages by about 75–78%. The toxin binder also not influenced liver, kidney function and energy-protein nutrition. The treatment cost per kilogram of milk also decreased by 97.2% in T2 group. It was concluded that supplementation of toxin binder at 50 g/day was most effective in improving milk and components yield, and welfare of cow while minimizing aflatoxin health risk to consumers.