Distribution of aflatoxin-producing moulds and aflatoxins in dairy cattle feed and raw milk.

Abstract

Distribution of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin B1 in Yugoslav dairy cattle feeds as well as the presence of aflatoxin B1 and M1 in raw milk, was tested. The experiments were carried out through three years (in all seasons). Samples were taken from state and private farms in Vojvodina. Feeds were contaminated in 83-100% with moulds. Fungi of farms in Vojvodina. Feeds were contaminated in 83-100% with moulds. Fungi of Aspergillus flavus-oryzae group were present permanently and the highest incidence of them was noticed during the third research year. Aflatoxin B1 was not found in the first year, but malt spent grains used for cows' feeding in summer of the second research year was contaminated with it (50.0 micrograms/kg). The same feed and pelleted sugar beet pulp were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 in winter, spring and summer of the third research year (5.0 to 16.0 micrograms/kg). Aflatoxin B1 and M1 were not found in raw milk through three-years investigations.