Influence of mycotoxins on milk quality indicators in cows

In cows that received feed more contaminated with zearalenone and aflatoxins, the activity of liver enzymes increased. These mycotoxins have hepatotoxicity, hematotoxicity and genotoxicity.

The research, led by vets and scientists from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, was carried out around 200km east of Moscow in the dairy complexes of Lednevo breeding farm in the Yuryev-Polsky district in Vladimirov region. Its purposes were to scientifically substantiate the influence of mycotoxins on quality indicators of milk in cows in a large livestock complex.

The research parameters

At each of the complexes, 20 cows were selected. Milk samples were taken to determine the content of fat, protein, casein, albumin, globulins, lactose, total solids and dry skimmed milk residue using an automatic milk composition analyser.

Analysis of mycotoxin residues in milk was carried out using liquid chromatography mass spectrum. To determine haematological parameters and to perform biochemical tests, BioStstemsA25 automatic analyser was used from the United States.

The results

The results of automatic Foss analyser showed a decrease in dry matter content in milk from cows that received feed with a higher concentration of mycotoxins (10.44 0.22 versus 14.71 0.45%). Therefore, the researchers said mycotoxins in high concentrations affect amino acid metabolism.

Glycine, serine and threonine are amino acids that produce glucose. Glucose, in turn, is an important metabolic factor, and changes in glucose metabolism due to exposure to mycotoxins can affect amino acid metabolism in the mammary gland.

The study: “The Influence of mycotoxins on quality indicators of milk in cows in a large livestock complex” has been published in the Journal of Agronomy and Animal Industries – The-influence-of-mycotoxins-on-quality-indicators-of-milk-in-cows-in-a-large-livestock-complex.pdf (researchgate.net)