Viability of the use of mycotoxin adsorbent in the finishing of Texel lambs in confinement.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the viability of a mycotoxin adsorbent based on beta-glucans from cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and bentonites in the diets of confined lambs of the Texel breed. Twenty-four lambs (12 males and 12 females) with an average weight of 18.6 kg ± 1.6 were divided into two groups: treated (with adsorbent) and control. The animal diets contained the mycotoxins aflatoxin B1, fumonisin B1 and B2, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol in concentrations within guidance levels. The animals were slaughtered with body weight of approximately 26.4 kg. The performance and carcass variables of the lambs were evaluated. The daily weight gain was higher in the treated group (216.24 g) than in the control group (185.90 g). The averages for loin eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and marbling were 13.93 cm2, 2.66 mm, and 3.20 in the treated group and 12.16 cm2, 2.6 mm, and 3.25 in the control group, respectively. The true, hot, and cold carcass yield, and the carcass cooling losses did not differ between groups. The carcasses were similar in conformation and fat finishing degree, with averages of 3.95 and 3.83, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of a mycotoxin additive in the diet of finishing lambs. The use of mycotoxin adsorbent in confined lambs was feasible, and its use resulted in greater daily weight gain in lambs and average net profit.

Occurrence and seasonality of aflatoxin M1 in milk in two different climate zones.

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a mycotoxin found in milk as a result of the ingestion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) by dairy cattle. Because of its carcinogenic properties, the control of its occurrence in dairy products is of great importance. We evaluated the occurrence and seasonality of AFM1 in milk from farms with subtropical and temperate climates, where significant milk production occurs. Forty samples of raw milk were collected from bulk tansk milk during the summer (five samples from a subtropical climate and 14 from a temperate climate) and winter (six samples from a subtropical climate and 15 from a temperate climate) months of 2017 and conducted an analysis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (detection limit 5 ng L-1 ). Data from eight random samples were compared with respect to liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection and ELISA. A significant correlation was observed. RESULTS: The presence of AFM1 was detected in 87.50% (n = 35) of the samples analyzed (a mean of 16.66 ng L-1 and a median of 12.42 ng L-1 in positive samples); however, its concentration in all samples was below the maximum limit allowed by European (50 ng L-1 ) and Brazilian (500 ng L-1 ) legislations. There were no significant differences in the levels of AFM1 between the properties located in the two climate zones, in both summer and winter. The estimated daily intake of AFM1 based on the milk analyzed was 0.0107 ng kg-1 day-1 for adolescents, 0.0072 ng kg-1 day-1 for adults and 0.0098 ng kg-1 day-1 for the elderly. CONCLUSION: The present work demonstrated a low exposure to AFM1. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sheep milk: physical-chemical characteristics and microbiological quality / Leite ovino: características físico-químicas e qualidade microbiológica

Sheep milk is the third most consumed milk in Brazil. It is much appreciated for its nutritional status and is important for children that have problems with cow milk. Little information is known about the chemical, physical and microbiological composition of sheep milk from South Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe chemical and microbiological characteristics of sheep milk produced on two rural properties located in southern Brazil (Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul). The chemical composition of sheep milk was 17.32 g/100 g total solids, 5.86 g/100 g total protein, 4.46 g/100 g casein, 1.08 g/100 g whey protein, 7.28 g/100 g fat, 0.93 g/100 g ash, and 3.41 g/100 g lactose. High somatic cell count (1.7x106 cells/mL), total mesophilic bacterias (16.0x106 CFU/mL) and psychrotrophics (5.8x106 CFU/mL) were observed. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus, enterobacteria and coliforms occurred in 100% of the samples, and 45% of the samples showed growth of Escherichia coli. The sheep milk physical-chemical and microbiology parameters are similar to those presented in the literature for other countries but somatic cell count presented high levels.

O leite de ovelha é o terceiro mais consumido no Brasil, e é muito apreciado devido ao seu aspecto nutricional. Pouca informação a respeito da composição química e microbiológica do leite de ovelha no Brasil é conhecida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o leite ovino produzido em duas propriedades rurais localizadas no Sul do Brasil (Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul). A composição química do leite de ovelha foi 17,32 g/100 g de sólidos totais; 5,86 g/100 g de proteína total; 4,46 g/100 g de caseína; 1,08 g/100 g de soro proteico; 7,28 g/100 g de gordura; 0,93 g/100 g de cinzas e 3.41 g/100 g de lactose. Altas contagens de células somáticas (1,7x106 células/mL), bactérias mesófilas (16,0 x106 UFC/mL) e psicrotróficos (5,8x106 UFC/mL) foram observadas. Multiplicação de Staphylococcus aureus, enterobactérias e coliformes ocorreu em 100% das amostras, 45% de amostras apresentou multiplicação de Escherichia coli. Os parâmetros físico-químicos e microbiológicos do leite ovino deste estudo são semelhantes a literatura para outros países, porém, a contagem de células somáticas foi elevada.