Aflatoxin M1 Contamination of Anatolian Water Buffalo Milk

• DOI: 10.35864/evmd.978100
• Publication Date: 2021-09-29T12:19:50Z
• Authors: Tahsin Onur KEVENK
• Keywords: 2. Zero hunger; Veteriner Bilimleri; Aflatoksin M1;Manda;Süt;ELISA; Veterinary Sciences; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; 0405 other agricultural sciences; Aflatoxin M1;Water Buffalo;Milk;ELISA; 3. Good health

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hepatotoxic metabolite, occurs due to the consumption of feeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by lactating animals. This study aims to specify the presence and levels of AFM1 in water buffalo milk produced widely in our region. Between the years 2019 - 2021, a total of 250 raw water buffalo milk samples were used as material. All samples were transported to the laboratory in the cold chain (4 °C) and analyzed. Tests were done with ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique and AFM1 specific test kits Ridascreen® Aflatoxin M1, r-biopharm were used for detection of AFM1. First, the samples were prepared as described in the kit manufacturer’s instructions. Later, for the calculation of AFM1 levels, RIDASOFT WIN.NET software was also used as recommended. Two hundred and fifty raw water buffalo milk samples were analyzed in duplicate, and the average values of the results was taken into account. While AFM1 was not detected in 174 samples (69.6%), 76 sample (30.4%) was contaminated with AFM1. However, it was observed that the AFM1 levels of these 76 samples did not exceed the levels specified in the Turkish Food Codex. In conclusion, although water buffalo milk and dairy products pose a potential risk in AFM1, this risk was found relatively low in samples belong to our region. However, this situation may vary depending on the feeding conditions of lactating animals and sampling season. Therefore, it is recommended that similar and further studies are needed to diversify the data in the future.