Quantitative estimation of aflatoxin level in broiler feed utilized in district Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Poultry feed with contaminated with mycotoxins especially aflatoxin is a major health concern. It directly results in significant economic losses and indirectly affects the health of consumers. District Mansehra (Hazara region) is rich in poultry population due to its favorable climate. No such study has been executed to estimate the Aflatoxin level in poultry feed in this area. So, the current study was conducted to educate the farmers regarding aflatoxin contamination at farm level. In this study, a total of 120 samples were collected from poultry feed supplied in Mansehra. Three different types of poultry feed were assessed viz; starter, grower and finisher feed and samples were collected from poultry farms of District Mansehra from 3 tehsils (Mansehra, Balakot & Ogi) from March to July 2017. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used for screening of Total Aflatoxin (TA) in the samples. Overall, the incidence of positive samples for aflatoxin contamination was 92.5%. The frequency of aflatoxin measured was highest in Tehsil Balakot i.e. 100 %, but higher levels were documented in Tehsil Mansehra viz; 54.6 ppb. Grower feed had the highest frequency of aflatoxin positive samples (100%) as well as aflatoxin levels (56.34 ppb). The moisture content was around 6.8-10.98%. The association between total aflatoxin and moisture content was statistically significant (P<0.05). The results suggest that continuous monitoring regimes are required to be conducted to prevent aflatoxicosis in poultry birds.