Survey of aflatoxin residue in feed and milk samples in Kırıkkale province, Turkey

In this study total aflatoxin (AF) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in feed and milk samples obtained from the dairy cow farms in Kırıkkale region were studied. A total of 154 dairy cow feed and 154 raw milk samples were obtained from the villages (Delice, Keskin, Sulakyurt, Bahşılı, Yahşihan, Çelebi, Karakeçili, Balışeyh) and central of Kırıkkale province, Turkey, between the years June 2012- August 2013. The quantitative analysis of total AF and AFM1 in the collected samples were carried out using an enzyme-linked-immunoassay (ELISA) with commercial kits (HELICA biosystems inc.). Total AF was detected in all feed samples and also AFM1 contamination was found in all of the milk samples. In 5 of 154 feed samples the total AF’s were above 20 μg/kg. In none of the milk samples AF was above the legal limit. The mean AF residue level for concentrated feed was 6.43±7.01 μg/kg, and ranged from 0.20 μg/kg to 28.80 μg/kg. The mean AFM1 residue for milk samples was 1.73±2.20 ng/L, and ranged from 0.08 ng/L to 10.11 ng/L. In conclusion although all of the milk samples were contaminated with AFM1, the amounts were within the legal limits that are allowed in milk. On the other hand in 3.25% of the feed samples, total AF was above 20 μg/kg. The occurrence of AFM1 may not be considered as a possible risk for public health. Strategies and monitoring programs to prevent aflatoxin contamination is recommended.