Bovine abortion and death associated with consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated peanuts.

Approximately 12% of a herd of 68 crossbred cows aborted third-trimester fetuses after consuming moldy peanuts for 4 days. Further investigation revealed that less than 20% of the herd had access to this supplemental feed. Results of serum biochemical analysis indicated liver damage in the affected cows. All of these cows died within 8 days of aborting. The peanuts contained 77 micrograms aflatoxin B1/g, as determined by liquid chromatography. Tissues were submitted from 1 cow, and liver contained 5 ng aflatoxin B1/g. Results of other laboratory tests were negative for common toxins and abortifacients.