Aflatoxin Poisoning
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Aflatoxins are the toxic metabolites of the molds of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
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They are normally present in stored feedstuff.
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They grow rapidly and become toxic in grains and feed stored under aerobic conditions when the moisture is more than 15% and temperature is 24 – 25 degrees C.
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Peanuts, cottonseed meal and cake are affected frequently.
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Corn ears with shortened husks maturing in upward position appear to be more susceptible. Although at least 13 aflatoxins have been identified , aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 are the major types. B1 and B2 produce blue florescence while G1 and G2 produce green fluorescence.
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Of these metabolites, AFB1 is of importance because of toxicity and concentration in moldy feeds. The order of toxicity is B1>G1>B2>G2 .
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Metabolites of B1 and B2 are excreted in milk and are termed as M1 and M2 .
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Last modified: Friday, 22 April 2011, 9:04 AM