Author/Authors :
I. E، Udom نويسنده Department of Basic Sciences, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Jos, Nigeria , , C. N، Ezekiel نويسنده Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Nigeria , , S. O، Fapohunda نويسنده Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria , , Z. S. C، Okoye نويسنده Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria , , C. A، Kalu نويسنده Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Nigeria ,
Abstract :
Samples of two types of cattle feed compounded at the feed mill section of the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria evaluated for incidence of toxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi. Aflatoxins in the feed were quantified by Thin-layer chromatography with fluorescent detection in order to determine the risk of aflatoxicosis to the cattle and its consumers. Isolates of Aspergillus section Flavi were recovered from all analyzed feed samples at varying levels. A. flavus was predominant ( > 70%) in the feed samples and occurred as the only Aspergillus section Flavi member in the dairy feed type. The incidence of atoxigenic strains was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of toxigenic strains in both feed types and exceeded 75% in each case. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 and G1 were detected in the samples at varying concentrations. Aflatoxins contaminated more samples and in higher concentrations in the dry season than the wet season. The mean concentration of aflatoxins were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in dairy samples than maintenance feed types. About 92% of the dairy feed samples had AFB1 concentrations exceeding 5µg/kg EU maximum limits for dairy cattle. AFB1 concentrations in all maintenance feed samples were within the EU maximum acceptable limits of 20µg/kg.
