Ppb Aflatoxin Research Articles

English

Contamination of maize by aflatoxins is of major concern to governments and the international community because high degrees of aflatoxin in food render the food unsafe for human consumption. The disposal of such foods also constitutes an economic loss in food production. This paper reports the findings of a study conducted during the 2013 minor maize farming season in Ejura-Sekyeredumase Municipality in the Ashanti region, and in Agbobloshie market in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study was to investigate management practices employed at the market level and on farms by maize traders and smallholder farmers, respectively, and their impact on aflatoxin contamination. Purposive sampling was used to select 150 farmers from maize farming communities across 10 cluster zones based on geographical location of farms within the municipality. Maize traders were also selected from a market close to maize farms and a market close to consumers for the study. In all, 30 traders were randomly selected from each market. Maize samples were collected from both markets and selected farms to determine the presence and level of aflatoxins using the Vicam Aflatest immunoaffinity column method. The study revealed that, farmers and traders adopt practices that expose maize grains to aflatoxin contamination. These include: use of farmer-saved seed stock as planting material; delayed harvesting, heaping harvested maize cobs on the field; planting by broadcasting method, use of hand dipping and teeth cracking method to determine dryness of maize, use of wooden stalls with no proper ventilation for maize storage at market centres and temporal storage in the open using tarpaulin resulting in heat build-up and moisture re-absorption. Types of aflatoxin determined from sampled maize grains were G2, G1, B2 and B1. Grains from the farms showed below detection limit at 1 ppb of aflatoxins. However total values of 50.234, 70.102 and 30.943 ng/g were, respectively obtained from three composite samples taken from Ejura market. A similar occurrence was observed at Agbobloshie market, where higher levels of 677.480, 101.748 and 4831.942 ng/g were detected in composite samples analysed. All respondents had no knowledge of aflatoxin contamination and it causes. Moreover, 63% of traders from both markets believed that, consuming contaminated maize have no health implications for consumers as food products from maize are normally cooked before consumption. In conclusion, the study reveals that, practices of farmers and traders has direct effect on maize quality. It was noted that, aflatoxin contamination of maize is likely to increase from the farm through markets and ultimately compromise the health of consumers. Farmers and traders need to be encouraged to adopt best practices in maize production and marketing to ensure food safety of the final consumer. Education on aflatoxin and its health implications must also be given the necessary attention. Key words: Maize, traders and farmers practices, aflatoxins contamination, Ghana

Exposure of children 4 to 6 months of age to aflatoxin in Kisumu County, Kenya

Contamination of foods by aflatoxins is a global health problem in both developed and developing countries. Exposure to the toxin s is associated with a range of effects on health including stunting in children. Commodities at high risk of aflatoxin contamination include cereals, legumes, milk, fish and meats. Children are more vulnerable to effects of aflatoxin exposure compared to adults. Being genotoxic , levels of aflatoxins in foods should be kept as low as possible, given that there is no known threshold at which they may pose a health risk . This study investigated the potential exposure of young children to aflatoxin contamination in Kisumu County, Kenya. Kisumu County may have the potential for low to high levels of aflatoxin contamination due to prevailing weather conditions as well as reliance on maize, sorghum, cassava and rice as the main staple foods, groundnuts as snack and omena ( Rastrienobola argentea ) and milk as cheap source s of protein. These foods are also used as weaning foods in the County. Samples of omena , rice, groundnuts, cassava, maize, and sorghum were collected from Kibuye wholesale market , Kibuye open air market , Ahero market , Oile market and Mamboleo market in Kisumu County using a combination of cluster and systematic sampling. Processed cow’s milk samples were collected from supermarkets and raw cow’s milk samples from 3 market milk bazaars in the County . Analysis of solid foods was done using HELICA Total Aflatoxin Assay, intended for quantitative detection of aflatoxin B 1 , B 2 , G 1 and G 2 . Milk sampling was done using the European model outlined in the Codex Alimentarius. Aflatoxin M 1 levels in milk were analyzed using HELICA Aflatoxin M 1 Assay. Aflatoxin levels in the foods ranged from 0 to 34.5 ppb aflatoxin B 1 , 0.012 to 0.127 ppb aflatoxin M 1 in processed milk and 0.0002 to 0.013 ppb aflatoxin M 1 in raw milk . All the food products , except cassava, had samples with detectable aflatoxin levels. Daily aflatoxin consumption ranged from 35 ng (4.43/kgBw/day) to as high as 872 ng (110.4 ng/kgBW ). These findings indicate that weaning children in Kisumu County are potentially exposed to levels of aflatoxins above the permissible amounts , given that the food stuffs that were analyzed are the commonly used weaning food items. Its effects on their health should be assessed and efforts taken to reduce potential exposure both from the commonly suspected sources as well as from milk.

Effect of Methionine Supplementation in Ameliorating Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methionine (Met) in combating the experimental aflatoxicosis (AF) in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty, day-old broiler chicks were divided into six treatment groups containing five replicates of 8 birds each (T1: control; T2: T1+250 ppb AFB1; T3: T1+0.05% Met; T4: T1+0.1% Met; T5: T2+0.05% Met; T6: T2+0.1% Met) and the experiment was continued for 42d. During this period (0–6 weeks), the BW gain (BWG) of broilers in control group (T1) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of aflatoxin alone fed group (T2). The BWG in T3, T4 and T6 was statistically similar to that of control, however, the BWG in T5 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of control (T1). Supplementation of 0.1% Met in AF contaminated diet significantly (P<0.05) improved the BWG. The overall feed intake (FI) in groups (T3, T4, T5 and T6) was statistically similar to that of control group (T1), however, the FI in group T2 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to control (T1). The overall FCR in AF fed group (T2) was higher (P<0.05) than that of control. The FCR in all other treatment groups was statistically similar to that of control group (T1) barring treatment T5. Feeding of AF increased (P<0.05) the relative weights of liver and spleen while decreased in weight of bursa. These effects of AF were ameliorated by supplementation of 0.1% Met. It was concluded that 250 ppb aflatoxin in broiler diet impaired the performance in terms of BW gain, feed intake, FCr and relative organ weights. Supplementation of 0.1% methionine to the aflatoxin contaminated diet had pronounced ameliorative effect on performance of the birds.

Efficacy of Methionine Hydroxy Analogue in Ameliorating Aflatoxicosis in Japanese Quails

The efficacy of dietary methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) to ameliorate aflatoxicosis caused by 500 ppb aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in Japanese quails was investigated. A total of 600, day-old quail chicks were divided into ten treatment groups viz. T1: control; T2: T1+500 ppb AFB1, T3: T1+400 ppm MHA, T4: T1+500 ppm MHA, T5: T1+625 MHA, T6: T1+769 ppm MHA, T7: T2+400 ppm MHA, T8: T2+500 ppm MHA, T9: T2+625 MHA, and T10: T2+769 ppm MHA. Each diet was fed to four replicated groups of 15 birds each from day-old to 35d of age. The results revealed that contamination of aflatoxin (500 ppb) in the diet of Japanese quails caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in BW gain. Supplementation of MHA at 400–625 ppm (T7 to T9) level in AFB1 contaminated diet though improved (P<0.05) the BW gain but could not match with the gain in control diet. However, supplementation of MHA at 769 ppm level in AFB1 contaminated diet ameliorated the adverse effects of AFB1 on gain in quails. The overall feed consumption remained uninfluenced due to dietary treatments. The FCR of groups T7, T8 and T9 was lower (P<0.05) than that of AFB1 fed group but higher (P<0.05) than control. The FCR of group T10 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of AFB1 fed group similar to control. Contamination of feed with 500 ppb AFB1 resulted in significant increase in FCR of quails. Supplementation of MHA (769 ppm) to the AFB1 contaminated diet resulted in significant improvement in feed efficiency that was comparable to control. Aflatoxin contamination in diet (T2) resulted in enlarged, pale, congested and round bordered liver. Incorporation of MHA at higher level (769 ppm) in AF contaminated diet significantly reduced the effect of AFB1 on liver morphology. It is concluded that supplementation of MHA at 769 ppm in 500 ppb AFB1 contaminated feed ameliorated the adverse effects on BW gain and FCR in Japanese quails.

Aflatoxins contamination in processed cassava in Malawi and Zambia

Strains of the Aspergillus fungi, especially A. flavus and A. parasiticus , primarily produce aflatoxins which are a major health concern to man and livestock because of their acute and chronic health effects . Aflatoxins pose the greatest risk to health in tropical Africa because of their widespread prevalence and high toxicity ; carcinogenic (cause liver and esophageal cancer) effect , immune system suppressing and anti - nutritional contaminants in many food commodities and even cause death. Aflatoxins have also been reported to compromise vaccine efficacy in experimental animals . Due to the seriousness of aflatoxins, international agencies have restricted levels of aflatoxins to 20 ppb in food materials as the maximum permissible level in the United States and 4 ppb total aflatoxins and under 2 ppb aflatoxin B1 in Europe. These regulations directed at minimizing human exposure to aflatoxins results in severe economic loss to producers, processors and marketers of the contaminated crop. A study was conducted in Malawi and Zambia to assess the level of fungal and mycotoxins ’ contamination in commonly processed cassava products. A total of 92 and 88 samples of processed cassava products comprising makaka , flour, kanyakaska , kadonoska , scrapes and grates were collected in the rainy season of 2008 and 2009 in Malawi , respectively. Further , 22 samples of processed cassava products comprising dried cassava chips and flour were collected in the rain y season of 2009 in Zambia . The samples were analyzed for fungal and aflatoxin s B1, B2, G1 and G2 contamination using the Romer mini -column method and the VICAM AflaTest immunoaffinity fluorometric method. None of the samples in 2008 w ere contaminated with aflatoxins . Similar results were obtained in 2009 with al most all the samples in Malawi and Zambia having aflatoxin levels much lower (&lt;2.0 μg/kg in Malawi and &lt;4.2 μg/kg in Zambia ) than the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) maximum permissible level of aflatoxins of 10.0 μg/kg , implying that the cassava products analyzed were safe for human consumption. However, further studies are needed to cover a larger sample size over a period of a year to represent all seasons in the cassava producing and consuming areas and conclusively make certain the safety of these products for human consumption.

Discrimination of moldy peanuts with reference to aflatoxin using FTIR-ATR system

Abstract This study demonstrated the potential use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, coupled with attenuated total reflectance unit (FTIR-ATR) for determination of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus invasion in peanuts. Threshold mold density on peanut paste samples was 2.7 Log CFU/g peanut corresponding to legislative limiting aflatoxin (AF) level of 20 ppb. Classification was performed to separate the “Acceptable” stream (AF ≤ 20 ppb) from so called “Moldy” (20 1200 ppb). All of the samples (n = 164) were classified correctly when discriminant analysis technique was employed. Second threshold value was set at 300 ppb aflatoxin to further sort out the samples in the “Moldy” class into mildly (which can be used for feed) or highly toxic (which has to be discarded). Correct separation was observed at 98.5% with only one misclassified sample. Growth profiles of both strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were interpreted with respect to spectral changes. Even when spectral alterations for aflatoxin presence were not clearly identifiable, similar secondary metabolites of both aflatoxigenic species led to clusters in distance plots and showed the potential usage of the developed method to separate safer peanuts (e.g. AF ≤ 20 ppb) in a lot when implemented. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models were developed to predict AF level with maximum correlation coefficient of determination ( R C 2 = 99.98% for both AF–producing Aspergillus spp.). The fingerprint region (1800–800 cm−1) was used for regression analysis and corresponding bands were interpreted.

Trials to Detoxificate Aflatoxin Contaminated Fish Diet and its Use Safely (Residual and Histopathological Study)

This experiment aimed to measure the influence of dietary probiotics and prebiotics on aflatoxin contaminated fish diet. A total of 80 Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) fingerlings with an average initial body weight of about 14 g was randomly allocated to 8 aquaria Each treatment was performed in two replicates at a rate of 10 fish for each replicate. Nile tilapia fingerlings supplemented with four diets for 70 days. First group was fed on basal diet without aflatoxin or feed additives(control) , 2nd gp was fed on basal diet but contaminated with 150 ppb aflatoxin, 3rd gp was fed contaminated diet plus 0.1% Rotamin and 4th group was fed contaminated diet plus0. 0.2% Power top. Histopathological results showed severe degenerative lesions in the liver of fish exposed to aflatoxin B 1 without feed additives, while the groups exposed to aflatoxin B 1 with 0.1% Rotamin or 0.2% Power top showed mostly normal liver and reduction in the aflatoxin B 1 residues in fish body.

Utilization of a Spray-Applied Calcium Bentonite Clay to Ameliorate the Effects of Low-Levels of Aflatoxinin Starter Broiler Diets Containing DDGS

To evaluate the efficacy of a calcium bentonite clay for the amelioration of the effects of aflatoxin on broiler growth performance and relative organ weight, a total of 288 one-day old Ross 308 straight-run broilers were fed a commercial type corn-soy broiler starter diet formulated with 20% DDGS over a three-week rearing period. There is evidence that fermentation co-products can have increased mycotoxin concentrations than compared to the original grain. Four mash basal diets were prepared using various concentrations of clean corn and DDGS and aflatoxin-contaminated corn and DDGS and were found to contain 16, 228, 366 and 681 ppb aflatoxin in the final feeds. Each diet was then blended with 0.5% of either a non-binding kaolinite or aflatoxin-binding calcium bentonite clay, which were sprayapplied as a liquid suspension during mixing. Weekly feed consumption and body weights per pen were recorded. On day 21, all birds were killed and weighed individually, and the liver, kidney, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius from were weighed and relative organ weights were calculated. All data were analyzed as a 2×4 full-factorial with 2 sources of clay at 4 concentrations of aflatoxin. All levels of aflatoxin significantly (p ≤ 0. 05) increased cumulative feed conversion and decreased broiler productivity index at 21 days of age. Relative liver weights were significantly increased by all aflatoxin levels. Relative kidney weights were significantly higher beginning at the 366 ppb level. The relative spleen and bursa weights were unaffected. The inclusion of spray-applied bentonite clay had no effect on the toxicity of aflatoxin in this trial when compared to the non-binding kaolinite clay.

English

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of date pits (DP) to reduce the deleterious effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler chicks. A total of 216 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed randomly for nine treatments (with four replicates and six birds in each) for 35 days. The experiment included a 3&times;3 factorial arrangement of treatments involving three levels of DP (0, 2 and 4%) and three levels of AFB1 (0, 150 and 300 ppb) based on a completely randomized design. There was a significant reduction of feed intake with treatment of 300 ppb during fourth and fifth weeks. DP levels were effective in diminishing the adverse effect caused by aflatoxin on feed intake of broilers (P&lt; 0.05). However, 4% date pits had better effect. Mean body weights were not affected weekly, but the main effect of aflatoxin was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) low by feeding 300 ppb aflatoxin in fourth and fifth weeks. Treatments with DP levels did not show any significant change with control group in case of feed conversion ratio; however the main effect of aflatoxin diets containing 300 ppb showed significant reduction in feed conversion ratio only in fourth week (P&lt;0.05). Carcass weight decreased significantly in the main levels of AFB1 while the relative weight of the liver, intestine, gizzard and thigh increased significantly (P&ge;0.05). Other carcass parts were not affected. It is suggested that DP might be used for reducing the adverse effects of aflatoxin in the broiler diets. &nbsp; Key words: Aflatoxin, broiler, date pits, performance, carcass characteristic.

Determination of Aflatoxin in the Imported Rice in Zahedan, South-East of Iran, 2011

area. Materials and Methods: Two hundred samples of imported rice consisting; yellow (100) and white (100) rice were selected randomly. These samples were assessed for Aspergillus infection and the Aflatoxins B, G was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Results: The results showed, 33% and 47% of yellow and white rice samples had contaminated 0.34 and 0.58 part per billion (ppb) with Aflatoxin B1 respectively. It was observed 13% and 21% following samples had also contaminated 0.06 and 0.08 ppb Aflatoxin B2 respectively. The levels of G1 and G2 Aflatoxins were impossible to identify in these samples. Conclusions: According to proposed standards, none of the imported rice sample had not contaminated more than the maximum allowable concentrations of Aflatoxin.

ACUTE EFFECTS OF AFLATOXIN ON NORTHERN BOBWHITES (COLINUS VIRGINIANUS)

Aflatoxin is a widely occurring and harmful mycotoxin produced by strains of Aspergillus spp. growing on vegetable matter. We investigated the concentration of aflatoxin needed to impair normal physiologic responses and induce acute morbidity and mortality in Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus). Ten wild-caught adult bobwhites (five males and five females) from southern Texas were randomly assigned to each treatment group (0, 100, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 parts per billion (ppb) aflatoxin; n=50). We orally administered 100 μL of aflatoxin, derived from Aspergillus flavus, once per week for 4 wk and monitored bird mass, daily feed consumption, liver histology, and blood chemistries. An in vitro white blood cell proliferation test was conducted using spleen tissue to determine the effect of aflatoxin on the immune system. There was no mortality in the control groups, whereas mortalities occurred in all treatment groups except in the 100 ppb aflatoxin treatment. Immunosuppression, reduction in gamma-globulin, glucose, and gamma-glutamyltransferase blood levels, and abnormal liver histology were observed in aflatoxin-exposed quail. Blood chemistry indicated cellular damage to the liver and kidneys. We concluded that short-term, acute doses of aflatoxin as low as 100 ppb can be detrimental to the health of Northern Bobwhites.

The efficacy of three mycotoxin adsorbents to alleviate aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in Oreochromis niloticus

Aflatoxicosis, toxicity of aflatoxin, is of great concern in aquaculture. This study was conducted to assess the efficacies of three adsorbents, a hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicates (HSCAS), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.C.) and an esterified glucomannan (EGM), against feed contaminated with contained 200 μg/kg (ppb) aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 240 Nile tilapia fingerlings, Oreochromis niloticus (15 ± 2 g), were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (30 fish per group) with three replicates. Group T1 represented the negative control fed on a basal diet, and T2 was the positive control group fed on a basal diet supplemented with 200 ppb AFB1. Groups T3, T4 and T5 were fed the AFB1-contaminated diet (200 ppb) supplemented with 0.5 % HSCAS, 0.25 % S.C or 0.25 % EGM, respectively. Groups T6, T7 and T8 were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 % HSCAS, 0.25 % S.C or 0.25 % EGM, respectively. The reduction in AFB1-bioavailability was judged by toxin residues in fish musculature throughout the study beginning at the second week of exposure. AFB1 reduced the survivability, total weight gain, average daily gain and specific growth rate, evident as early as the second week of exposure. The total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content and total leukocyte count were significantly decreased after AFB1 exposure for 6, 8 and 10 weeks, respectively. Prolonged administration of AFB1 led to significant increases in serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and creatinine activity, and produced significant decreases in plasma proteins, including serum globulin. The specific immune response was assessed by an agglutinating antibody titer after immunization of the fish with an Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine. The antibody titer and relative level of protection of fish challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila were reduced throughout the period of examination in AFB1-exposed fish. Supplementation with HSCAS, S.C. or EGM significantly improved growth performance, blood parameters and immune status; in addition, these groups showed decreased AFB1 residues in fish musculature when compared with AFB1-treated fish. HSCAS effectively reduced AFB1 toxicity, whereas S.C. and EGM were less efficacious.

Effects of non-starch polysaccharide enzymes (Roxazyme G2G and/or Ronozyme VP) on growth performance of nursery pigs fed normal or drought-stressed corn (2013)

A total of 360 barrows (PIC 1050 × 337, initially 12.9 lb BW) were used to determine the effects of non-starch polysaccharide enzymes (Roxazyme G2G and/or Ronozyme VP; DSM Nutritional Products, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) on growth performance and nutrient digestibility of nursery pigs fed normal or drought-stressed corn. Initially, corn samples were collected from 34 separate lots and analyzed to find representatives of normal and drought-stressed corn. These same lots were also used in a separate experiment measuring the impact of drought stress on diet manufacturing characteristics. The lot selected to represent the normal corn had a test weight of 55.9 lb/bu, <5 ppb aflatoxin, 15.0% moisture, and contained 0.77% β-glucan. The lot selected to represent drought-stressed corn had a test weight of 54.3 lb/bu, 6 ppb aflatoxin, 14.3% moisture, and 0.83% β-glucan. Pigs were allotted to pens at weaning (d 0) and were acclimated to a common diet for 10 d prior to the start of this experiment. On d 10 post-placement, pigs were weighed and pens of pigs randomly allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial with main effects of corn (normal vs. drought-stressed) and enzyme inclusion (none vs. 100 ppm Roxazyme G2G vs. 250 ppm Ronozyme VP vs. 100 ppm Roxazyme G2G + 250 ppm Ronozyme VP). Pigs were fed experimental treatments from d 10 to 35 postweaning in two phases. Feed and fecal samples were collected on d 30 postweaning and analyzed to determine apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients.

Relationship between mycotoxicosis and calcium during preproduction period in layers

This study was conducted to examine field cases of mycotoxicosis (A flatoxicosis and ochratoxicosis) and their effects on calcium during the preproduction period of 1SA brown pullets. Birds were 12-15 weeks of age. The feed was subjected to analysis for mycotoxin and blood samples were laboratory diagnosed for infectious bronchitis and infectious bursal viruses antibody titer and for determination calcium level. Clinical signs of affected birds were rubbery bone, ruffled feather, paleness and high mortality. Necropsy findings of sick birds were characterized by muscle dehydration, enlarged livers yellowished, kidney enlargement and urate deposition. Histopathological features of liver consisted of capsular thickening hepatocellular necrosis, subcapsular infiltration with inflammatory kidneys cells showed swelling of tubular cells, deposition of calcium between kidney tubules with infiltration of inflammatory cells. ELISA test revealed the presence of 800 ppb aflatoxin and 100 ppb ochratoxin. Normal titers of infectious bronchitis virus and infectious bursal diseases antibodies were recorded. Low blood calcium level of 8.2 mg/dl was registered in the tested blood samples.

Evaluation of aflatoxin decontaminating by two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG in pistachio nuts

SummaryIn this study, the surface binding ability of Saccharomayces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LBGG) to aflatoxin in pistachio nuts was compared. Results showed that Saccharomayces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains had aflatoxin binding ability of 40% and 35% with initial concentration of 10 ppb and 70% and 60% with initial concentration of 20 ppb aflatoxin, respectively. Acid treatment increased this ability for yeast and bacterium to 60% and 85% in first concentration and 73% and 90% for second concentration of aflatoxin, respectively. Also, heat treatment could raise surface binding of yeast to 55% and 75% for two concentrations. In addition, heat condition for Lactobacillus improved binding to 85% and 90% for two concentrations of aflatoxin. Experiments showed that microorganism’s immobilisation on contaminated pistachio had no effect on qualitative characteristics of pistachio such as colour, texture and peroxide value.

Natural occurrence of heavy metal, fungi and mycotoxins in soybean meal samples used in animal feeding in Saudi Arabia

20 samples of soybean meal used in animal feeding in Saudi Arabia were analyzed for their content of heavy metals and contamination with fungi and/or their mycotoxins. The analyzed heavy metals were lead, copper, cadmium, nickel, chromium, arsenic and mercury, which were detected using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The data shows that cadmium levels in soybean meal were higher in four samples when compared to the Current European Official Regulations. The amount and generic composition of microscopic fungi in feeding soybean have been monitored. Total counts of fungi were ranged from 3.9x10 4 to 10 5 CFU/g. From the analyzed samples, 36 species belonging to 16 genera of microscopic fungi were isolated and identified. Among the isolated genera, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium belonged to the most dangerous fungi. The level of mycotoxins detected in feeding soybean was ranged from 1 to 14.8 ppb for aflatoxins, 1 to 14 ppb for ochratoxin A and 1 to 17 ppb for zearalenone. In conclusion, feeding soybean can be seriously contaminated by heavy metals, mycotoxigenic fungal genera as well as mycotoxins that cause serious health problems for man and animals. Key words : Aflatoxins, ochratoxins A, zearalenone, mycotoxins, heavy metal, soybean.

Identification and Characterization of Useful Fungi with α-Amylase Activity from the Korean Traditional Nuruk

The objective of this study was to find useful fungi with α-amylase activity from the Korean traditional nuruk for the quality of traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. In this study, 165 samples of traditional nuruk were collected from 170 regions throughout Korea and the fungi were isolated to a total of 384 strains. In order to investigate the effect of microflora on nuruk, α-amylase activity, saccharogenic power (SP), starch hydrolysis activity and acid producing activity were evaluated. Ten strains were selected by α-amylase activity, which ranged from 458.47 to 1,202.75 U/g. The size of the discolored zone for the starch hydrolysis activity of each fungus ranged from 0.3 to 2 cm. The SP of the 10 strains ranged from 228.8 to 433.4 SP. Of the 10 stains, three were identified as Aspergillus oryzae, two as Aspergillus flavus, two as Lichtheimia sp., one as Rhizopus oryzae and two as other strains. The total aflatoxins present in the nuruks were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The 10 nuruks had less than 1.11 ppb of aflatoxins.

Ameliorative effect of glucomannan-containing yeast product (Mycosorb) and sodium bentonite on performance and antibody titers against Newcastle disease in broilers during chronic aflatoxicosis

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of aflatoxin (AF), yeast glucomannan (YG) and sodium bentonite (SB) on performance and immunization against Newcastle disease (ND) in broiler feed with naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin. For this experiment, 300 7-day-old Ross 308-strain broiler chickens werechosen and randomly assigned to ten dietary treatments in three replicates of ten chicks. Treatments were: 1) diet free from aflatoxin (positive control group); 2) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin (negative control group); 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin supplemented with 1.5% SB, 3% SB, 0.05% YG, 0.1% YG, 1.5% SB + 0.05% YG, 1.5% SB + 0.1% YG, 3% SB + 0.05% YG and 3% SB + 0.1% YG, respectively. Chicken in each replicate were weighed weekly and feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio weremeasured. Blood sample was taken from each bird and the titers of antibody against ND were measured by haemagglutination inhibition test. Aflatoxin in contaminated diet was measured and confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) to be 250 ppb.Compared to the positive control diet, growth parameters were significantly (P<0.05) lower in 250 ppb aflatoxin fed chicks during experiment and also the antibody titer against ND was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the negative control diet from 35 to 42 days of age. The addition of yeast glucomannan and sodium bentonite, individually and in combination to the AF-containing diet ameliorated the adverse effects of aflatoxin, but 0.1% yeast glucomannan supplementation to the contaminated diet with aflatoxin proved to be much more effective in the amelioration of the adverse effect of AF on performance and humeral immunity against ND. Key word: Aflatoxin, broilers, 0.1% yeast glucomannan, performance, Newcastle disease.

Micro-fungi and mycotoxins in poultry dust

Dust in poultry confinement facilities were investigated for their fungi and mycotoxins contents. Concentrations of microfungiin the air of poultry confinement facilities were determined using air samplers, and fungal isolation from airby plate exposure. Settled dusts were investigated for their fungal load, types of fungi present and mycotoxins present.Microfungal load in settled dust and air of poultry confinements were found to be 3.5-42 x 106 cfu/g and 5-119 x105 cfu/m3 respectively. Fungi isolated from poultry confinements were: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus ochraceus Penicillium notatum, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium oxalicum, Trichodermaviride, Stachybotrys atra, Fusarium oxysporum, Candida albicans, Cryptococus neoformans and Saccharomyces cerevisae.Mycotoxins concentrations obtained from the analyses of sieved poultry dust were 21.32 + 2.35 ppb of aflatoxins,11.26 + 1.78 ppb of ochratoxins and 4.10 + 0.13 ppb of fumonisins. Aflatoxin concentrations and fungal loads in settleddust showed positive correlation with duration of dust deposition, but the former produced stronger association than thelatter (r = +0.991, P &lt; 0.001 and r = +0.957, P &lt; 0.02 respectively). Results obtained in this study indicate that poultrydust is rich in mirofungi and mycotoxins which could be of occupational health importance.

Effects of Feeding Diet Rich in Mycotoxins on the Health and Growth Performances of Broiler Chicken

Low production performances in Nigerian poultry industry is of a serious concern. This study, an experimental exposure of broiler chicken to feed naturally contaminated with mycotoxins, is part of the efforts to unravel this problem of low productivity. Broiler chickens aged 1 day to 8 weeks were fed with diet compounded with naturally contaminated raw materials. Another set of day old broiler chicks were fed with feed compounded with high quality materials and served as control. Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin in each diet were determined by ELISA technique. The effects of mycotoxins on the birds were determined for growth performances, immunological status, as well as general well being of the birds. The total aflatoxin and ochratoxin concentrations in test feed were 200 ppb and 10 ppb respectively, while the control feed contained 15 ppb aflatoxin with no detectable level of ochratoxin. Birds fed with mycotoxin-rich diet had significantly lower growth performances (p = 0.012) and survival rate than control birds. Birds fed on mycotoxin rich diet had lower Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) antibody titres (4280±1470) than controls (6780±1250), an indication of deleterious effect on body immune responses. There is need to monitor and enforce feed quality control in developing countries to ensure that poultry production is economically viable, so that the industry can grow.