PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SOME UNCONVENTIONAL FEEDING STUFFS IN KASHERE AND ITS ENVIRONS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The presence of pesticide residues in feeding stuffs poses significant health risks to livestock and, consequently, to humans through the food chain. This study was conducted to investigate the levels of pesticide residues in some unconventional feedstuff sourced from Kashere and its environs in Gombe State, Nigeria. Samples of

unconventional feedstuff, including crop residues and agro-industrial by-products, were analyzed for pesticide residues using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings revealed varying levels of pesticide residues with some exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies. Malathion residues were isolated in groundnut haulms at 0.6 mg/kg, which is above the MRL of 0.5 mg/kg. Chlorpyrifos residues were found in cowpea husk at 0.5 mg/kg, exceeding the MRL of 0.1 mg/kg while Cypermethrin residues were detected at 0.3 mg/kg, below the MRL of 0.5 mg/kg. The study highlights the need for better pesticide management practices and regular monitoring to ensure the safety of feedstuff used in livestock production.