Cow Whey Research Articles

Neuroprotective effects of whey and buttermilk-based formulas on a DSS-induced colitis murine model.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a gut-brain axis disorder that comprises chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, where alterations in the mood of patients are common. Gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication that link gut and brain. The close association between inflammatory bowel disease and neuroinflammation has far-reaching implications, as is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The increasing prevalence and high economic cost, together with the loss of life quality of people suffering from these diseases, point to the need to find alternatives to alleviate them. Exploring new therapeutic avenues prompts us to consider the potential benefits of milk fractions, taking advantage of the use of dairy by-products, such as whey and buttermilk. This study examines the impact of cow's whey- and buttermilk-based formulas supplemented with bovine lactoferrin and milk fat globule membrane on the expression of cytokines, as well as on the components of immune and serotonergic system of the brain in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Our results show the potential of these dairy by-products, especially whey, as functional foods in ameliorating neuroinflammation and safeguarding the central nervous system function amid the neurological complications induced or concomitant with intestinal inflammatory processes.

Whey Cheeses Containing Probiotic and Bioprotective Cultures Produced with Ultrafiltrated Cow's Whey.

Bovine whey cheese (WC) is a product from southern European countries that presents some challenges: its production process involves high energy inputs; the yield is low; and WC has a short shelf life. The application of ultrafiltration (UF) to bovine whey before manufacture of WC and the employment of protective cultures can reduce these disadvantages. The objective of this research was the production of whey cheeses using ultrafiltrated bovine cheese whey with added probiotics or probiotics plus protective cultures. Three types of WC were produced: control CW without any addition (C); CW with the addition of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA5); and CW with the addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus plus a protective culture containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LA5FQ4). The WCs were stored under refrigerated conditions for 28 days. The products with added cultures presented lower pH values and higher titratable acidities when compared to the control. Sample LA5 presented the lowest pH and the highest titratable acidity, while LA5FQ4 presented intermediate values. Slight differences were observed between products regarding color parameters, chiefly resulting from storage time. The samples with added cultures were firmer when compared to the control, with LA5 cheeses showing the highest values at the end of the storage. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts were on the order of log 8-9 CFU/g for the products with added cultures. Lower levels of yeasts and molds were detected on the sample with the protective culture (LA5FQ4), so that by the end of storage they presented counts one log cycle lower than C and LA5. Hence, the beneficial impact of the protective culture on the shelf life of the product is evident. Regarding sensory evaluation, LA5FQ4 cheeses obtained the highest scores for all parameters evaluated. It can be concluded that the use of UF associated with the addition of protective cultures can be very useful to reduce the energy consumption of the manufacturing process, to prolong the shelf life of WC and to improve its sensory properties.

β-lactoglobulin hydrolysates by L.plantarum AHQ-14 and L.bulgaricus BD0390 alleviate allergic responses to β-lactoglobulin in sensitized mice

The β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) from cow whey protein is highly allergenic. β-Lg allergy often leads to digestive allergies or allergic gastroenteritis, damages intestinal micro ecological balance, and impacts on infant growth and health seriously. Milk protein can be partially degraded by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and its allergenicity can be decreased to some extent. The immunological consequence of hydrolyzed β-Lg by L.plantarum AHQ-14 (H14) or L.bulgaricus BD0390 (H390) was investigated in a sensitized mouse model. BALB/c mice were stimulated with β-Lg or β-Lg hydrolysate sensitization, followed by oral stimulation of high doses of β-Lg or β-Lg hydrolysate sensitization. The results showed that β-Lg stimulated mice had increased the level of total IgE and IgG. Conversely, mice stimulated with H14 or H390 inhibited the allergic symptoms and reduced serum IgE/IgG levels. The H14 and H390 groups also decreased concentrations of mast cell protease-1 (mMCP-1) and plasma histamine (HIS), induced T helper (Th) 1 or T regulatory cells to regulate Th1/Th2 immune balance. Mice stimulated with H14 or H390 showed no signs of intestinal inflammation. They kept normal cytokine levels of IL-4 and IL-10 and increased IFN-γ production. Thus, H14 and H390 protected and avoided clinical allergy symptoms in sensitized mice, and have the potential to be used for β-Lg allergy to provide safe and effective treatment for infants with milk allergy.

Voltammetric immunoassay based on MWCNTs@Nd(OH)3-BSA-antibody platform for sensitive BSA detection

Anelectrochemical approach is presentedbased on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and neodymium(III) hydroxide (Nd(OH)3) nanoflakes for detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The materials were characterized morphologically (XRPD, SEM, and HR-TEM) and electrochemically (DPV, EIS). The MWCNTs@Nd(OH)3 composite was used as support for bovine serum albumin polyclonal antibody (anti-BSA). After the antibody immobilization on the electrochemical platform and antigen/antibody binding time (optimum 60min), the proposed approach shows a linear voltammetric response toward BSA concentration in the range 0.066 to 6.010ngmL-1 at maximum peak potential of 0.13V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 18pgmL-1 and 61pgmL-1, respectively. The precision of the method calculated as relative standard deviation (RSD) of five independent measurements was better 3%. The selectivity of the optimized method regarding structurally similar proteins (human serum albumin and human hemoglobin), ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and NO2-), or compounds (glucose, ascorbic acid, dopamine, uric acid, paracetamol, and glycine) was found to be satisfactory, with the current changes of less than 5% in the presence of up to 1 × 105 times higher concentrations (depending on the compound) of the listed potentialinterfering compounds. Practical applicability of immunosensor for BSA determination in cow whey sample, with recovery values in the range 97 to 103%, shows that the developed method has highpotential for precise and accurate detection of BSA, as well as exceptional miniaturization possibilities for on-site and equipment-free sensing.

Gastric aspiration in sudden unexpected infant death of Prader–Willi syndrome: immunohistochemical detection of feeding components

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in infants is characterized by hypotonia and poor sucking with feeding difficulties. Two autopsy cases of sudden unexpected death during sleep after tube feeding are described herein. For one, gastric aspiration caused by the possible milk regurgitation was suspected. Immunohistochemical examination of lung sections was performed using three antibodies to human α-lactalbumin, human gross cystic disease fluid protein 15, and cow whey β-lactoglobulin. Five cases of sudden unexpected infant death occurring earlier than at 6 months old were selected as controls. Marked immune-staining for infant formula in one PWS subject was evident within terminal bronchioles and alveoli with granular and amorphous features. However, no positive staining was apparent in the other subject, who exhibited contrasting features in milk distribution. Among control cases, one showed mild staining in the bronchiole, but the others did not. The antibody to β-lactoglobulin reacted specifically with formula, with no nonspecific background. Gastric contents in the airway can be a difficult issue because of the consequent terminal gasping. However, because of an episode of antemortem symptoms of potential regurgitation, and from findings at autopsy such as petechiae, we inferred that fatal regurgitation occurred in this PWS infant after tube feeding. Several clinical reports have described milk aspiration, but this pathological report is the first related to aspiration in PWS during tube feeding.

Cytotoxic Activity of Whey Protein on Breast Cancer Cell in Vitro

Objectives: Natural products, which do not have any toxic effects in terms of human health, have an important place in cancer research today. In this study, we aimed to determine the anticancer effect of whey protein, which has no side effects, on breast cancer cell line in vitro. Method: Whey protein (whey) from cow's milk was obtained using the isoelectric point. The whey protein was sterilized by a membrane filter. Cell viability and IC50 values were determined by measuring the antitumor activity levels of different concentrations of lyophilized whey protein with the breast cancer cell line (Mcf-7) MTT viability test. In addition, cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α) of whey protein were measured. Results: Serial dilutions of whey protein starting from 6400 µg/ml and continuing with decreasing concentrations were incubated with Mcf-7 cells for 24, 48 and 72 hours. When incubated with cow whey Mcf-7 cells, cell viability at 24 hours was 45.57%; IC50 value 5.605 µg/ml, R2 = 0.968; Cell viability at 48 hours was 43.52%; IC50 value 5.257 µg/ml, R2 = 0.976; cell viability found in cow whey at 72 hours was 37.06%; IC50 value was determined as 3.144 µg/ml and R2= 0.373. Conclusion: It was concluded that whey protein has antiproliferative and anticarcinogenic effects in MCF-7 cancer cell lines. This suggests that whey proteins have the capacity to stimulate the production of cytokines and may support cytokine potentiation.

Bacteriological valuations of some powdered infant milk and antibiotic resistance estimation

Background and objectives: Milk is one of the widely consumed products in the world, highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and it is also a suitable medium for the rapid growth and multiplication of bacteria at favorable temperatures, infant formula (baby milk) contain purified cow's milk whey and casein as a protein source, the high nutrient contents of infant formula provide a good growth medium for bacterial pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial contamination in powder milk sold in local market of Erbil city, and to determine their antibiotic susceptibility .Method: In a total of 12 samples of commercial dried milk products (infant powdered milk) used by consumers in Erbil state, biochemical and molecular identification were used for identification. A region of 16S rRNA gene were amplified by PCR to allow species identification, and the sensitivity of isolates to eight antibiotics was studied by using standard disc diffusion methodResults: Eight samples of infant powdered milk (N = 12) were contaminated with (62.5%) Staphylococcus sp and (37.5%) Lactobacillus sp . In addition, Staphylococcus sp. resistance against AMC and E was between (72-69%) and the lowest resistance was against AMK and TE (25-28%). Lactobacillus species resistance was most frequently observed to E and AMC (88-83%), and lowest resistance was against CIP,TE ( 25-30%) Conclusion : The current study found that infant powdered milk used by consumers in Erbil state were contaminated with Staphylococcus sp. and Lactobacillus , these isolates exhibited multiple antimicrobial resistance. No significant differences were found between isolates against antibiotic resistances.

Study the effect of purified cow milk glutathione on cancer cell growth (HePG2) in vitro

Glutathione is an important protein in many biological applications as a potential cancer treatment agent .In this study, glutathione was purified from cow milk whey by gelfiltration using Sephadex G-10 column. To know its ability as anticancer agent the study utilized an in vitro evaluation for the cytotoxic effect of the purified whey glutathione on HePG2 cell line at different concentrations and different exposure time of treatment. The purified glutathione concentrations ranging (6.25 to 400) μg/ml for 24,48 and 72 hours. The effect of glutathione was evaluated by employing MTT assay. The results revealed a significant cytotoxic effect at levels (P<0.05) for all concentrations and for all exposure time as compared to untreated control cells, The inhibition rate IR% increased with the increased in glutathione concentration and incubation period. The highest inhibitory growth was shown at concentration ( 400μg/ml) after 72 hrs of exposure time it was 90% .

Elucidating the physicochemical properties and surface composition of goat milk-based infant formula powders

This study investigated the characteristics of cow milk-based, goat milk-based, and mixed-based (using goat milk and cow whey powder)infant formulas (IF) with different sources of casein and whey protein, aiming to construct the properties of powders prepared using goat milk. Goat milk-based IF have different water activity, color, and glass transition temperature than other IF, whereas the crystallinity and solubility were similar. SDS-PAGE pattern showed that goat milk-based and mixed-based IF contained higher β-casein, while cow milk-based IF contained higher αs1-casein. The differentials of casein affected the powder surface composition and free fat levels. Goat milk-based IF reduces the surface fat content and free fat levels of the particles. Further analysis showed that the surface of the particles was predominantly filled with saturated fatty acids. Our findings revealed that due to the different casein, goat milk-based IF have favorable characteristics and surface composition, thus promoting its particle stability.

Cow and camel milk-derived whey and casein protein hydrolysates demonstrated effective antifungal properties against selected Candida species

Bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins are widely known to possess antibacterial activities. Even though the antibacterial effects of milk-derived peptides are widely characterized, not much focus is given to their antifungal characterization. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the antifungal properties of camel and cow whey and casein hydrolysates against various species of pathogenic Candida. The hydrolysates were produced using 2 enzymes (alcalase and protease) at differing hydrolysis durations (2, 4, and 6 h) and tested for their antifungal properties. The results showed that intact cow whey and casein proteins did not display any anti-Candida albicans properties, whereas the alcalase-derived 2 h camel casein hydrolysate (CA-C-A2) displayed a higher percentage of inhibition against Candida albicans (93.69 ± 0.26%) followed by the cow casein hydrolysate generated by protease-6 h (Co-C-P6; 81.66 ± 0.99%), which were significantly higher than that of fluconazole, a conventional antifungal agent (76.92 ± 4.72%). Interestingly, when tested again Candida krusei, camel casein alcalase 2 and 4 h (CA-C-A2 and CA-C-A4), and cow whey alcalase-6 h (CO-W-A6) hydrolysates showed higher antifungal potency than fluconazole. However, for Candida parapsilosis only camel casein alcalase-4 h (Ca-C-A4) and cow casein protease-6 h (Co-C-P6) hydrolysates were able to inhibit the growth of C. parapsilosis by 19.31 ± 0.84% and 23.82 ± 4.14%, respectively, which was lower than that shown by fluconazole (29.86 ± 1.11%). Overall, hydrolysis of milk proteins from both cow and camel enhanced their antifungal properties. Camel milk protein hydrolysates were more potent in inhibiting pathogenic Candida species as compared with cow milk protein hydrolysates. This is the first study that highlights the antifungal properties of camel milk protein hydrolysates.

Physicochemical properties of human breast milk during the second year of lactation

The present study examined the microstructure as well as the physicochemical properties of human milk during the second year of lactation in an attempt to explore its applicability for the formulation of food products. It was observed that human milk fat globules (MFG) droplet size increased within 3 days of milk extraction due to coalescence, as evidenced by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, a gradual decrease of the average MFG size was noted from the sixteenth (16th) to twenty-fifth (25th) month of lactation. It was also found that the size of casein micellar structures increased upon acidification to pH 4.3 (isoelectric point of human caseins). In addition, human milk proteins enhanced the stability of oil-in-water emulsions against coalescence compared to cow, sheep, and goat milk proteins employed as macromolecular emulsifying ingredients. The cold-acid-gels of human milk proteins showed a less elastic behavior than the other milk samples, possibly due to the different structure, composition and size of human casein micelles. Furthermore, the DSC thermograms showed that human whey proteins are denatured in the same temperature range as do the cow whey proteins, but exhibit different thermal transition profiles. Overall, the findings of this research confirm that both the structure and the physicochemical properties of human milk are affected by the stage of lactation. Moreover, the particular composition and structure of human milk proteins seem to be responsible for the special functional characteristics of human milk that may lead towards the formulation of innovative products.

Efek Pemberian Starter Kefir dengan Level yang Berbeda pada Pembuatan Kefir Susu Kambing dan Susu Sapi terhadap Volume dan Kualitas Whey Kefir yang Dihasilkan

Whey kefir is an isotonic drink with good quality, because it is most suitable for human and animal body fluids. Scientific information relating to the use of whey through the fermentation process using a kefir starter to see the functional benefits of antihypertensive has not been widely published, therefore this research is important to do. So that they can know and learn the quality of kefir whey against antioxidant and mineral content. This study aims to determine the volume of kefir whey from goat's milk and cow's milk produced by giving different levels of kefir starter. The method used is an experimental study that uses two factors, namely comparing whey kefir goat milk with cow milk whey. The experimental design used was a randomized block design (RBD) with 3 treatments performed 3 replications. The experimental design in this study was a 3x2 factorial design of the independent variable that is, whey kefir using goat's milk and cow's milk was repeated 3 times. 3% KSKO kefir starter (control), 5% KSK kefir starter, 10% KSK2 kefir starter, 15% KSK3 kefir starter. The dependent variable in this study is the laboratory test of antioxidant content, pH, acidity, total lactic acid bacteria. So that this study can be concluded that the volume of kefir whey produced at the addition of different levels of kefir grain to the whey volume of goat milk and cow milk produced is significantly different.

Bifidobacterium mongoliense genome seems particularly adapted to milk oligosaccharide digestion leading to production of antivirulent metabolites

BackgroundHuman milk oligosaccharides (HMO) could promote the growth of bifidobacteria, improving young children’s health. In addition, fermentation of carbohydrates by bifidobacteria can result in the production of metabolites presenting an antivirulent activity against intestinal pathogens. Bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMO), structurally similar to HMO, are found at high concentration in cow whey. This is particularly observed for 3′-sialyllactose (3′SL). This study focused on enzymes and transport systems involved in HMO/BMO metabolism contained in B. crudilactis and B. mongoliense genomes, two species from bovine milk origin. The ability of B. mongoliense to grow in media supplemented with whey or 3′SL was assessed. Next, the effects of cell-free spent media (CFSM) were tested against the virulence expression of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.ResultsDue to the presence of genes encoding β-galactosidases, β-hexosaminidases, α-sialidases and α-fucosidases, B. mongoliense presents a genome more sophisticated and more adapted to the digestion of BMO/HMO than B. crudilactis (which contains only β-galactosidases). In addition, HMO/BMO digestion involves genes encoding oligosaccharide transport systems found in B. mongoliense but not in B. crudilactis. B. mongoliense seemed able to grow on media supplemented with whey or 3′SL as main source of carbon (8.3 ± 1.0 and 6.7 ± 0.3 log cfu/mL, respectively). CFSM obtained from whey resulted in a significant under-expression of ler, fliC, luxS, stx1 and qseA genes (− 2.2, − 5.3, − 2.4, − 2.5 and − 4.8, respectively; P < 0.05) of E. coli O157:H7. CFSM from 3′SL resulted in a significant up-regulation of luxS (2.0; P < 0.05) gene and a down-regulation of fliC (− 5.0; P < 0.05) gene. CFSM obtained from whey resulted in significant up-regulations of sopD and hil genes (2.9 and 3.5, respectively; P < 0.05) of S. Typhimurium, while CFSM obtained from 3′SL fermentation down-regulated hil and sopD genes (− 2.7 and − 4.2, respectively; P < 0.05).ConclusionFrom enzymes and transporters highlighted in the genome of B. mongoliense and its potential ability to metabolise 3′SL and whey, B. mongoliense seems well able to digest HMO/BMO. The exact nature of the metabolites contained in CFSM has to be identified still. These results suggest that BMO associated with B. mongoliense could be an interesting synbiotic formulation to maintain or restore intestinal health of young children.

Application of triplex-PCR with an innovative combination of 3 pairs of primers for the detection of milk's animal origin in cheese and yoghurt.

In this research communication we describe an innovative protocol that combines three pairs of primers, two from the literature and one designed in our laboratory, for application in triplex-PCR on somatic cell DNA to enable identification of the species origin (cow, sheep, goat) of cheeses and yogurts with a detection limit of 0.1%. Mislabeling was detected in 15 out of 40 cheeses and in 18 out of 40 yogurts tested. The suggested procedure is a quick and reliable tool for identifying the animal origin of cheeses and yogurts and it can be used to certify product reliability on the domestic and international market. Additionally, in combination with a serological test it can offer a reliable tool for detecting the presence of cow's whey.

Antibacterial Activity of Trypsin-Hydrolyzed Camel and Cow Whey and Their Fractions

Simple SummaryCamels are an important part of the ecosystem in desert areas. Camels can survive well under difficult conditions, therefore, they play a key role in local herdsmen’s production, life, and economic structure. China’s Inner Mongolia region has unique environmental and geographical advantages, making it suitable for camel breeding. Camel milk has high nutritional value and unique functional characteristics. It not only has low sensitization, but also contains various immune active factors with high medicinal value. Currently, there are various products derived from cow and goat milk, but few related to camel milk, providing an opportunity for development. This study used trypsin to hydrolyze the whey proteins of camel milk, separated and purified peptide fragments with antibacterial activity, and conducted a comparative study with cow milk. The present study provided new ideas for the use and development of camel whey protein hydrolysates and their dextran purification fractions, and indicated the future development of these peptides as nutritional additives or food preservatives.Antibacterial peptides were isolated and purified from whey proteins of camel milk (CaW) and cow milk (CoW) and their antimicrobial activities were studied. The whey proteins were hydrolyzed using trypsin, and the degree of hydrolysis was identified by gel electrophoresis. The whey hydrolysate (WH) was purified using ultrafiltration and Dextran gel chromatography to obtain small peptides with antibacterial activity. The effect of the antimicrobial peptides on the morphology of bacterial strains was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Their amino acid composition and antimicrobial activities were then determined. Polypeptides CaWH-III (<3 kDa) and CoWH-III (<3 kDa) had the strongest antibacterial activity. Both Fr.A2 (CaWH-Ⅲ’s fraction 2) and Fr.B1 (CoWH-Ⅲ’s fraction 1) had antibacterial effects toward Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum antimicrobial mass concentrations of 65 mg/mL and 130 mg/mL for Fr.A2, and 130 mg/mL and 130 mg/mL for Fr.B1, respectively. The highly active antimicrobial peptides had high amounts of alkaline amino acids (28.13% in camel milk Fr.A2 and 25.07% in the cow milk Fr.B1) and hydrophobic amino acids. (51.29% in camel milk Fr.A2 and 57.69% in the cow milk Fr.B1). This results showed that hydrolysis of CaW and CoW using trypsin produced a variety of effective antimicrobial peptides against selected pathogens, and the antibacterial activity of camel milk whey was slightly higher than that of cow milk whey.

Ultrafiltration concentration of whey in a pilot plant

Experimental data on the retention coefficient and the output specific flow are obtained. The test solutions were goat and cow's milk whey after obtaining cheese. The description, general view and technological scheme of a pilot installation of a tubular type are given. The studies were carried out on semipermeable tubular type ultrafiltration membranes manufactured by AO "ZAVKOM". Based on the studies, graphical dependences of the retention coefficient on the specific output stream were constructed and analyzed. During the analysis, it was noted that with an increase in the output specific flow of the solvent, the retention coefficient decreases. The reason for this is the boundary layers of fat and protein formed in the near-membrane layers, which prevents the passage of protein molecules through the pores of the membrane. Also during the experiment, it was noted that goat milk serum has a more oily structure and requires prior separation. For the theoretical calculation of the retention coefficient and specific output stream, mathematical expressions are developed and numerical values of the values of empirical coefficients are obtained. The developed mathematical expressions describe the experimental data with good confidence. The obtained experimental and calculated data can be used with great reliability in the calculations of mass-transported flows of substances through semipermeable membranes, as well as in engineering methods for calculating and predicting the effectiveness of the use of membrane processes for the concentration of whey.

Preliminary screening of agricultural feedstocks for anaerobic digestion

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performances in the early stages of biogas production of various unconventional and low inputs crops, such as: kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), amaranthus (Amarathus cruentus L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Moreover, according to a circular economy approach, that foreseen the re-use of all the materials, a wide range of agro-industrial residues were tested such as: pomace, olive oil cake, cow milk whey, ewe milk whey, beer residues, jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) oil cake and pelargonium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) residues after essential oil extraction. The biogas production was estimated starting from the chemical composition of the substrates as well as through tests in bench’s static reactors. The results showed that the use of silage from crops with reduced agronomic requests (kenaf and amaranthus) versus a conventional crop (corn) led to comparable, or even better, biogas production performances during the initial stages. Moreover, the performance of some residues from the milk industry allowed to conclude that the ewe milk whey can be considered a booster feedstock for the first phase of digestion. All the tested substrates produced a digestate suitable, according to the Italian rules, for soil fertilization or amendment.

Safety of milk and whey from Zlatibor region in relation to aflatoxin M1 contamination: a seasonal study

The objectives of this study were to assess aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) contamination in cow and goat milk and whey samples collected from small dairy producers in rural areas of Zlatibor. The study involved a total of 60 samples of cow milk (n=15), cow whey (n=15), goat milk (n=15) and goat whey (n=15). In order to elucidate the distribution and stability of AFM1 during milk processing, cheese manufacturing trials were performed using cow milk naturally contaminated with different concentrations of AFM1 (<0.05 to >0.25μg kg−1). AFM1 concentrations were measured using a validated immunoassay method (ELISA). None of the samples of milk or whey collected from areas of Zlatibor were contaminated with AFM1. Contrary to that, in all of the analysed samples of whey obtained from contaminated cow milk, AFM1 was detected. We conclude that whey contains 40-60% of the amount of AFM1 present in milk. The results obtained indicate the intensification of dairy production and the supplementation with commercial feed such as maize could be risk factors that impact on the AFM1 incidence in contaminated milk. In addition, our study demonstrates there is a potential health risk due to the consumption of whey obtained from contaminated milk.

Estudo epidemiológico de brucelose em suínos em criatórios de subsistência do Distrito Federal, Brasil

Brucellosis is caused by 10 species of Brucella sp. and is responsible for huge economic losses. There are no specific prophylactic measures present for household pigs, which can be also reservoirs, in the brazilian National Program for the Control and Eradication of Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study of blood serum samples from 1793 household pigs from 823 farms in Federal District of Brazil. Serum samples were collected between August and October in 2011, 2012, and 2014 by the veterinarians under the Secretary of Agriculture. The Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was used for screening for antibodies against smooth Brucella sp. Positive results were confirmed by the slow agglutination test (SAT) and 2-mercaptoethanol test (2-ME). Among the 1793 samples screened with RBPT, 125 were positive for antibodies against smooth Brucella sp.; 46 (32%) of these samples showed agglutination in SAT, but only one (0.8%) sample was considered positive by 2-ME. The animal with the positive blood serum was traced back in a household farm whose owner had supplemented feeds with cow milk whey. For preventing swine brucellosis, it is necessary to prevent the cross-infection either by the consumption of contaminated cow milk or by direct contact with infected animals. The government policy should enhance the sanitary education for encouraging household farmers to employ prophylactic measures and ensure biosecurity. The present study results indicate that swine brucellosis risk in household farms occurs &nbsp;in a low prevalence rate in pigs from the Federal District of Brazil.

Detection of buffalo milk adulteration with cow milk by capillary electrophoresis analysis

The addition of cow milk during the production of buffalo mozzarella is a common fraud in dairy industries because of the lower price and greater availability of cow milk throughout the year. The aim of this study was to develop a new, rapid, and robust capillary electrophoresis method for detecting and quantifying cow milk in buffalo milk by exploiting cow α-lactalbumin as a marker of adulteration. In particular, a linear calibration curve was generated, using a training set of calibrators consisting of 7 series of 17 buffalo/bovine whey mixtures, obtained after casein precipitation, with increasing percentages of cow whey. The capillary electrophoresis method showed high linearity (R2 = 0.968), repeatability [relative standard deviation (RSD) = 2.11, 3.02, 4.38, and 1.18%, respectively for 5, 10, 20, and 50% of buffalo/bovine whey mixtures], and intermediate precision (RSD = 2.18, 2.49, 5.09, and 3.19%, respectively, for 5, 10, 20, and 50% buffalo/bovine whey mixtures). Moreover, the minimum amount of detectable fraudulent cow milk was 1%, and the limit of quantification was 3.1%.