AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION ACROSS SOME SELECTED POULTRY FARMS AT MALUMFASHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the level of Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) contamination in poultry eggs, feeds and litters collected from six (6) randomly selected farms at Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. A total of number of 36 samples were analysed for AFB1. This comprised of three (3) feeds samples and three (3) eggs samples were collected from each farm. The AFB1concentrations (µg/kg) in all the samples was analysed using ELISA kits. The Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent Fungus followed by Aspergillus niger. The mean concentration of AFB1 in poultry feeds was 15.93±1.53 µg/kg and the least was 5.27±1.31 µg/kg. Approximately 83% of the feed samples were having AFB1 contamination above 5.00 µg/kg as recommended by FAO for animal feeds. Thus, farmers should frequently test their livestock feeds for aflatoxins and eggs should also be properly screened before consumption.