The relationship between aflatoxin M1 and immunoglobulin levels in cows' colostrum

The purpose of the present research was to assess the amounts of aflatoxin M1 (AFM₁) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) in cow colostrum samples, as well as their relationship. The sampling involved 90 cows (54 Montofon and 36 Simmental) from 15 independent farms. An appropriate number of samples from the total mixed ration (TMR) used in feeding the cows were collected simultaneously with the colostrum samples. AFB₁ in feed, AFM₁, and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels in colostrum were evaluated using the ELISA method. The AFM₁ level in colostrum samples exceeded the maximum allowed values for raw milk. Ig levels were higher in Montofon-breed cows' colostrum than in Simmentals. However, it was determined that neither the breed nor the lactation number significantly affected the colostrum Ig level. It was determined that there was no linear relationship between the number of lactations and immunoglobulin levels or between AFM₁ and immunoglobulin levels in colostrum. Similarly, it was determined that there was no linear relationship between the AFB₁ level in the feed and the AFM₁ level in the colostrum of animals consuming these feeds.