Assessment of Poultry Feed Contamination Level by Aflatoxin B1: Quantification by Two Chromatographic Analysis Methods

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 is a mycotoxin that can contaminate a wide feedstuffs variety. Ingestion of contaminated feed by poultry can lead to impaired health and zootechnical performances but also a human diet safety problem related to residues presence in animal origin products. Aflatoxin B1 contamination of poultry feed samples marketed in Dakar city and in peri-urban areas (Gorom, Sangalkam) was studied. A total of 15 samples were collected from Dakar city markets as well as from poultry farms in Gorom and Sangalkam areas. Aflatoxin B1 quantification was performed by high performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. HPLC results showed that all samples were contaminated with levels ranging from 0.15 to 22 ppb, 0.099 to 2.05 ppb and 0.099 to 4.95 ppb respectively for Gorom, Sangalkam and Dakar. Only the finishing feed from Gorom had an aflatoxin B1 level above the maximum limit set by regulations. TLC is a suitable method for aflatoxins detection. However, it was associated with overestimation for aflatoxin B1 quantification. Results suggest that poultry feed represents a real source of human diet contamination. In addition, HPLC remains the most reliable quantification technique for quality control.