BIOLOGIA (LAHORE) PKISSN 0006 – 3096 (Print) December, 2020, 66 (II) Online ISSN 2313 – 206X (On-Line) Author’s Contribution: K.S., performed the study by doing experimental work in lab; R.Y., helped in write up, proof reading and shaping the manuscript; A.U.N., Contributed in research conduction; S.D., helps in proofreading of the article; T.J., Her knowledge helps to design research work. Estimation of aflatoxins in cattle feed used in and around Lahore District KHADIJA SUMMIA* 1 , ROHEELA YASMEEN* 2 , ALEEM UN NISA 3 , SAMIA DJEFFAL 4 & TAHIRA JABEEN 1 1 Goveronment College for Women Gulberg, Lahore 2 Lahore Garrison University, Lahore 3 Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Lahore 4GSPA Laboratory of Research (Management of Animal Health and Productions), Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Mentouri Brothers, Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria ARTICLE INFORMAION ABSTRACT Received: 22-06-20 Received in revised form: 14- 11-20 Accepted: 18-12-2020 There are more than 100 types of fungi that can yield mycotoxins. They are secondary metabolites and their main producing agents are Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus nomius and Aspergillus parasiticus that are famous for Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2. The present study was conducted to quantify the aflatoxins in bovine feed provided to cattle found in and around Lahore. Total 50 samples were collected from two different localities of Lahore and categorized in two groups: Group A (Raiwind, 30 samples), Group B (Bedian Road, 20 samples). All samples were analyzed for estimation of aflatoxins level using thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The results showed that out of 50 samples, 20 (40 %) were fit as no level of aflatoxins detected in these samples. However, 30 (60 %) were positive for aflatoxins. 15(50 %) samples were highly contaminated and unfit. However, the other 15 (50 %) samples were within the tolerance range of aflatoxins. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all 30 samples and aflatoxin B2 was noticed in only 10 samples. However, Aflatoxin G1 and Aflatoxin G2 were not detected in any sample. It was concluded that there is a need to regulate managerial practices to improve the quality of bovine feed. Keywords: Aflatoxins, Fungi, Mycotoxins, Raiwind market, Bedian Road. *Corresponding Author: Khadija Summia: khadijasummia982@gmail.com Roheela Yasmeen: raheelasattar44@gmail.com Original Research Article INTRODUCTION Livestock such as cows, buffalos, goats, sheep, donkeys, and horses plays an important role in the national economy. Most of the animals are providing high-quality food to human beings. In Gross Domestic Production (GDP) of Pakistan, the dairy products contribute up to 46.8%. The agriculture sector is significantly contributing in the form of milk, milk products, meat, hides, skin, hair, wool and bone meal (Alao et al., 2017; Rehman et al., 2017; Chikwanha et al., 2018; Joshi et al., 2020). Agricultural productivity also plays a major role to assuage poverty in rural areas (Christiaensen et al., 2006; Abedullah et al., 2009; Cervantes-Godoy and Dewbre, 2010). Even though agriculture is improving due to various practices such as the use of medicine, nutrition, and managerial practices. But still, the feed which is provided to the cattle is at risk of contamination (Ayofemi, 2020). Natural pasture, crop residue, improved pasture and forage, and other by- products like food and vegetable refusal are different animal feed resources, of which the first two contribute the largest feed types (Alemayehu, 2003). The cattle feed mixed with kitchen and bakery waste products may get affected by fungus and contribute to the production of mycotoxins in cattle feed (Ilyas, 2007). Mycotoxins are chemically diverse secondary metabolites which are toxic in character and produced by different kinds of fungi (Lanyasunya et al., 2005). Mainly they are produced by Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicillum, Claviceps, and Fusarium genera (Akande et al., 2006; Haque et al., 2020). There are different kinds of mycotoxins which are: aflatoxins, trichothecenes, zearolenone, ocratoxin,and fumono sins. Aflatoxins are produced by some strainsof Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasitic