Mouldy Feed & Mycotoxins in the Monsoon: Protect the Liver

In the monsoon, damp storage lets mould grow on grain, cakes and fodder, producing mycotoxins such as aflatoxin that damage the liver, cut milk yield and weaken immunity — and aflatoxin can pass into milk as aflatoxin M1, a food-safety concern. The fix is prevention: keep feed dry, discard mouldy feed, and support the liver during the high-risk season.

Why monsoon feed turns toxic

Warm temperatures and high humidity are ideal for moulds such as Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium to grow on maize, groundnut/cottonseed cake, brans and stored fodder. These moulds produce mycotoxins — most importantly aflatoxin — that are invisible at low levels but harmful. Poorly dried, leaky or floor-stored feed during the rains is the main culprit.

What mycotoxins do to cattle

• Liver damage and reduced liver function (the liver detoxifies these toxins)
• Lower feed intake, poor growth and a drop in milk yield
• Weakened immunity and poorer fertility
• Aflatoxin M1 residues in milk — a human food-safety issue

How to prevent mould and mycotoxins

• Store feed dry and off the floor, on pallets, in a ventilated, leak-free store
• Buy in smaller lots during the monsoon; use older stock first (FIFO)
• Never feed visibly mouldy, musty or caked feed — discard it
• Dry fodder and grain properly before storage; check moisture
• Where risk is high, use a proven toxin binder in the ration on veterinary advice

Support the liver during the rains

Because the liver bears the burden of clearing mycotoxins, seasonal liver support helps maintain appetite, metabolism and milk. A herbal liver tonic such as Cattle Remedies Heprich can be used as supportive care during the monsoon — see our liver tonic guide and our article on the liver–milk link. Good minerals (Cattle Remedies Verymin) support overall resilience. Supplements support the liver — they do not make mouldy feed safe; remove the source.

Frequently asked questions

Can mouldy feed reduce milk yield?

Yes. Mycotoxins lower feed intake and damage the liver, cutting yield and fat, and can leave aflatoxin M1 residues in milk.

Is a little mould in feed safe?

No safe assumption should be made — toxin levels aren't visible. Discard musty, caked or mouldy feed rather than risk it.

How do I protect cattle from monsoon mycotoxins?

Store feed dry and off the floor, buy smaller lots, discard mouldy feed, use a toxin binder if advised, and support the liver seasonally.

Cattle Remedies is a brand of Makams Industries Pvt. Ltd. References: FAO — Mycotoxins; NCBI/PubMed — Aflatoxin M1 in milk. Educational only; consult your veterinarian and a feed analyst.