Aflatoxin M1 Content and Mastitis-Causing Bacteria in Milk from Skopelos Dairy Goats Reared in Extensive and...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Animal Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Goat milk quality is influenced by various factors, including farming practices.
• Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and mastitis-causing bacteria are key concerns for milk safety and production.
• Understanding the effects of different farming systems is crucial for optimizing goat milk quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of intensive versus extensive farming systems on AFM1 content in goat milk.
• To determine the prevalence of mastitis-causing bacteria in relation to farming systems.
• To assess the impact of farming practices on overall goat milk quality parameters.

Main Methods:

• Collected 233 milk samples from intensive and extensive goat farms in Skopelos.
• Analyzed AFM1 content using competitive ELISA.
• Tested 219 milk samples for bacterial prevalence via microbial culturing.

Main Results:

• AFM1 concentration was significantly higher in intensive (7.76 ng/kg) vs. extensive (3.78 ng/kg) systems, below the 50 ng/kg limit.
• Streptococcus spp. were more prevalent in extensive systems; Staphylococcus aureus in intensive systems.
• Farming system and lactation stage significantly affected Streptococcus spp. prevalence.

Conclusions:

• The farming system significantly impacts AFM1 levels and the prevalence of mastitis-causing bacteria in goat milk.
• Intensive farming correlates with higher AFM1 and Staphylococcus aureus, while extensive farming shows higher Streptococcus spp.
• These findings highlight the importance of farming practices in ensuring goat milk quality and safety.