Evaluation of Fungal Contamination in Poultry Feeds During the Rainy Season in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Fungal contamination of poultry feedstuffs can lead to nutrient losses and serious harm to poultry production and public health. This study was designed to evaluate the hygienic condition and the level of fungal contamination affecting the quality of poultry feeds (Broiler and Layer feed) during the rainy season (April – September) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 60 samples of mashed poultry feeds (30 broiler and 30 layer feeds) were collected from farms in Ogun state. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, the Colony forming units (CFUs) were calculated, and the taxonomic identification of various fungal genera was made macroscopically. Results: fungal counts for layer feeds (8.6 ×103) were significantly P < 0.05 higher than broiler feeds (4.2 ×103). Among the feed samples, 13 (43%) broiler feed and 16 (53%) layer feed samples exceeded the accepted European standard for finished poultry feed (1×103 CFU g-1), from a total of 60 feed samples, 29(48.3%) samples exceeded the standard limits. The most frequent fungal genus recovered were Aspergillus sp. (53%, 50%) and Fusarium sp. (12%, 10%) in broiler and layer feeds respectively. Conclusion: The poultry feeds from some farms in Ogun state were contaminated with various fungal genera by different levels in which 48% of the samples were higher than the standard limits. Contamination with potentially mycotoxigenic fungi especially Aspergillus sp. was 50%, Fusarium sp. was 10% and their presence in feed poses a health hazard for poultry birds. Keywords: Fungal contamination, fungal genera, layer feed, broiler feed,