LAUSR

The project involved a randomized complete block design study assessing the effect of a commercially available mineral supplement on Holstein cow milk production after a mycotoxin challenge using Aflatoxin B1. 63 multiparous Holstein cows were used in the study, housed in tie stall barns, with 21 cows per period in each of three, 63 day periods. Milk yield was taken three times daily over the experimental period, and the total amount of milk produced over the experimental time period was assessed both before and after the Aflatoxin challenge. Composite milk samples from 2 days in the last week were analyzed for contents of fat, true protein, urea nitrogen content, lactose, total solids, and somatic cell count. The decreased number of positive SNAP tests in Treatment Period 3 (12.19 average positive SNAP tests) with the use of a mineral supplement after the aflatoxin challenge in comparison to Treatment Period 2 (12.95 average positive SNAP tests) in which there was no mineral supplement used, it can be concluded that the use of a mineral supplement is effective at reducing Aflatoxin content in milk yield.