AN ECONOMIC APPRAISAL OF AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN DAIRY CATTLE FEED

Abstract

Five hundred and ninety four feed samples and 4 (R GNC samples collected from fourteen districts of the state of Kerala were analysed for AFB,. It was found that 47% feed and 53% GNC were contaminated with the toxin above the toxic level of 20 pph. Presence of toxin above IOO pph was recorded in 27 % cattle feed and 34%. GNC. Among the various Districts, feed samples from Kottayam were highly contaminated (80%) while pathanamthitta recoreded lowest incidence. GNC samples from Wayanad were mostly contaminated (81%). Kasargode recorded lowest level of contamination in GNC. Maximum number of samples were contaminated in the dry season of January to June compared to rainy season. Milk yield reduction was calculated on the basis of samples contaminated above the level of 100 pph anti it was found that 333 x 10' torts of milk was lost daring 91-93. This caused loss of Rs. 83.25 crore per year to the economy of the state