Differences in Transfer of Nicarbazin, Meticlor- Pindol and Ivermectin from Feed To

GM) in a 1:3 DM ratio and formed 55% of the TMR DM. In study weeks 1-3 the TMR DM also contained non-GM supplements of 18.5% cracked wheat, 26.1% rapeseed meal and 0.4% minerals. In weeks 4-12 ground maize grain (MON810) replaced cracked wheat. Milk and TMR samples were taken weekly prior to and after the introduction of the GM diet. In milk samples spiked with Bt DNA, PCR analyses established a minimum detection level (MDL) of transgenic DNA, of 7.5 g/l of milk. Subsequent semi quantitative PCR analyses were carried out in duplicate on TMR and milk samples using three primer sets to establish the presence of GM DNA. Two of the maize primer sets recognise different regions of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter and the third covers the integration site of the MON810 inserted DNA. The PCR analysis was capable of detecting GM DNA fragments greater than or equal to 200 base pairs (bp) in length. The feed and milk samples analysed at week 3 when cows received a TMR containing no GM feed ingredients were negative. The TMR feed samples at weeks 4 and 12 were positive for MON810 maize DNA, but all milk samples were negative. In conclusion the results show that GM DNA could not be detected in milk (MDL 7.5 g/l of milk) from cows receiving 18.5% of their diet DM as insect protected (MON810) maize grain. The study was funded by the Milk Development Council and the Dairy Industry Federation.