Mycotoxin Contamination in Cattle Feeds from Agricultural Sources: Hepatotoxic and Immunosuppressive Effects, and Integrated Control Strategies

This review aims to summarize and evaluate recent findings on mycotoxin contamination of livestock feed, with a particular focus on its hepatotoxicity and immunosuppressive impacts. It is a comprehensive study that will help veterinarians, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders improve livestock health and feed safety. Fungal contamination of livestock feed ingredients poses a serious threat to public health and livestock productivity, as well as significant economic losses in the agricultural sector. Contamination of food crops with fungi and mycotoxins is common due to frequent contact with them, exacerbating critical health problems and leading to economic losses in the livestock sector itself, in addition to preventing the consumption of meat and dairy products due to the transfer of these toxins to humans. Commonly used feed ingredients, such as roughage, straw, corn, palm leaves, and vegetable waste, are often contaminated with aflatoxins, fumonisins, and ochratoxin A. The severity of these toxins in animals varies depending on the dose, duration of exposure, species, breed, diet, and nutritional status. In general, calves are more susceptible than older animals. These toxins are known to cause liver damage and suppress immune function, resulting in reduced feed intake, poor feed conversion, reduced weight gain, increased susceptibility to disease (due to impaired immunity), and reduced reproductive capacity. The main pathological consequences include liver damage, immunosuppression, and reduced production efficiency. Clinical indicators, including elevated liver enzyme levels and decreased immune cell counts, provide a deeper understanding of the risks associated with chronic exposure. Finally, improved agricultural practices, periodic feed testing, and veterinary interventions tailored to the specific environmental and agricultural conditions of this condition are integrated pest control strategies.