Determination of Aflatoxin Levels Mixed Cattle Feeds from Different Farms in Diyarbakır Region

This study aimed to determine the levels of aflatoxins in beef and dairy cow supplied by feed manufacturing plants in the Diyarbakır region, accounting for a significant proportion of cattle production in Southeast Anatolia. In the study, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), and Aflatoxin G2 (AFG2) levels were determined in dairy cattle feed and fattening cattle feed. The toxic effects of aflatoxins on animal organisms are listed as AFB1, AFG1, AFB2, and AFG2 from largest to smallest. Regional feeds were evaluated based on the limits of AFB1 (≥0.005 ppm) in dairy cow feed and AFB1 (≥0.02 ppm) in cattle feed. By the Regulation on Unwanted Substances in Feeds (Regulation No: 2014/11), contamination values were considered in terms of total aflatoxin levels in feeds. According to the determined mycotoxin contamination levels, the average aflatoxin level in cattle milk feed was 0.0036 ppm and in cattle feed was 0.0034 ppm. This study emphasizes the importance of storage conditions and preservation methods of feeds and raw materials.