Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the contamination of feed with mycotoxins. A total of 103 samples of feed for poultry, pig and calves was collected at different animal feed factories in the central, eastern and north region of Croatia. The quantitative determination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 (FUM) and T-2 toxin (T-2) concentration was done using the validated ELISA method. The observed results indicated an increased contamination of pig feed with Fusarium mycotoxins DON and ZEA with mean concentrations of 1454?1444 ?g/kg and 153?161 ?g/kg, higher than recommended in 20% and 5% of the samples, respectively. Higher DON concentrations than recommended were also observed in 7% of calves feed with a mean concentration of 1140?1288 ?g/kg. The concentrations of AFB1, OTA and FUM in all the investigated samples in all country regions were according to the maximum allowed or recommended values in the European Union.
Highlights
As livestock production is an important part which plays a significant role in providing the high quality of food, the fact that many types of moulds commonly contaminate feed and food with mycotoxins has caused an increased concern about the effects of mycotoxins on animal health and well being
With the aim of minor losses in the livestock industry, considerable attention is paid to the prevention of mycotoxins contamination, and studies on different types of raw materials and compound feed, depending on various factors, are of great importance
There is a lack of investigations on the presence of mycotoxins in animal feed (Zinedine and Mañes, 2009)
Summary
As livestock production is an important part which plays a significant role in providing the high quality of food, the fact that many types of moulds commonly contaminate feed and food with mycotoxins has caused an increased concern about the effects of mycotoxins on animal health and well being. The presence of moulds and mycotoxins in feed, as their secondary metabolites, results in the raw materials used in their production. The relatively high intake of raw materials with the diet of livestock can lead to nutrient losses and have adverse effects on animal health and on productivity (Biagi, 2009). Several authors have classified mycotoxins as the most important chronic dietary risk factor, higher than synthetic contaminants, plant toxins, food additives, or pesticide residues (Zinedine and Mañes, 2009). They can germinate, grow and produce the toxin (CAST, 2003, Sforza et al, 2006)
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