Animal Feed Samples Research Articles

Evidence of Human-designated Antiretroviral (ARV) Drug Residues in Broiler Chicken, Domestic Pigs, and Animal Feeds in Tanzania.

Recent reports have indicated the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to boost animal production in neighboring Uganda, with further reports of use in several African countries. This cross-sectional study was conducted in nine districts in Tanzania, and involved screening for the presence of three first-line ARVs (lamivudine, nevirapine, and efavirenz) residues in the muscle and blood of domestic pigs and broiler chickens, and in sampled animal feed and water. Residues were determined using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method involved calibration of the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) and limit of detection (LOD). ARVs were detected and quantified using the Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) system. 131 (66.8%) of the 196 samples of muscle, blood, and animal feed were found to contain lamivudine residues, with the highest concentration detected in domestic pig blood and muscle (7.58mg/kg) and the lowest concentration (0.01 mg/kg) in broiler chicken feed. There was a significant relationship between the presence of lamivudine by sample type and sample origin (p=0.000). Nevirapine and efavirenz drugs were not detected in any of the collected samples. No ARV residues were detected in water samples (n=37). This study confirms the use of ARVs in animal production in Tanzania as evidenced by the presence of residues in animal feeds. We found lamivudine residues in domestic pigs and broiler chickens at concentrations higher than those recently reported in other East African studies. Farmers living with HIV may be using ARVs from their prescribed medications, which may lead to poor adherence and the emergence of drug resistance. Besides direct human and animal health issues, these residues in animal feeds and animal excreta can lead to environmental contamination leading to several negative impacts. We recommend a total ban on human-designated ARVs in animal production and advocate for comprehensive studies and monitoring systems across African countries to reveal potential societal and other reasons for their use and provide comprehensive solutions using One Health approaches.

Determination of Cannabinoids in Meat Products and Animal Feeds in Singapore Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

There has been a growing interest in the use of hemp as an animal feed ingredient considering its economic value and nutritional properties. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the safety of hemp-based animal feed currently. Thus, this raises safety concerns on the potential transfer of cannabinoids from hemp-based animal feed to animal products intended for human consumption and its health effects. As such, the detection and quantification of cannabinoids in meat and animal feeds would be desirable for monitoring purposes. In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of four major cannabinoids (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in meat and animal feeds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was successfully developed and validated. The method was selective and sensitive, achieving limits of detection and quantification for the four cannabinoids from 5 to 7 µg/kg and 15 to 21 µg/kg, respectively. The overall recovery with matrix-matched calibration curves for the cannabinoids ranged from 87-115%. The coefficients of variation were between 2.17-13.38% for intraday precision and 3.67-12.14% for inter-day precision. The method was subsequently applied to monitor cannabinoids in 120 meat and 24 animal feed samples. No cannabinoid was detected, suggesting no imminent food safety concerns arising from the potential incorporation of hemp and by-products in animal feed and nutrition under the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Is Aflatoxin Contamination of Staple Children’s Foods in Communities? An Underlying Factor in Child Stunting? A Question for Eastern Regions of Kenya.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine if aflatoxin was related to child stunting in the study areas of two counties in Eastern Kenya. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between aflatoxin and stunting in children 6 to 59 months. The study presents a question of aflatoxin as a contaminant of staple foods for children and therefore an “underlying factor” contributing to stunting outcome in children in affected study areas. A multi-stage field survey was carried out at county and household level.
 Methodology: Data were collected at household level by research assistants using a smart phone which had geo-positioning that enabled data verification by supervisors. Food samples of local maize-flour and other cereals were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for aflatoxin contamination. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Analysis of factors that contribute to stunting raises an important question on the underlying possibility of aflatoxin.
 Findings: Findings revealed a significant relationship was established between breastfeeding and stunting through ANOVA p/> 0.017 (t –value -2.810 and robust standard error of 0.5131 and coefficient value of -1.4411). Aflatoxin levels from samples of maize grain, flour mixes and animal feed collected was 17.8% of toxicity above national and regional safe margin of 10ppb.
 Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: Key interventions including farmer education and sensitization as well as use of aflasafe in the soil to reduce aflatoxin in the region are recommended.

Investigating the presence and antibiotic susceptibilities of Escherichia coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes in ruminant feces and feed in Balıkesir province

The aim of this study is to determine the presence, virulence factors, and antibiotic susceptibilities of E. coli O157 and L. monocytogenes in ruminant feces and feed. This study was carried out for the first time in Balıkesir province. Feces, pellet feed, and silage samples were analyzed simultaneously for E. coli O157 and L. monocytogenes using feces of one gram and feed of twenty-five grams according to ISO 16654:2001/Amd 1:2017 and ISO 11290-1, respectively. 38 (38%) E. coli O157 strains were isolated and identified from a total of 100 ruminant feces. A total of 3 (3%) E. coli O157:H7 strains were detected by PCR from one hundred ruminant fecal samples. In the study, resistance to antibiotics increased, especially in E. coli O157 isolates. In this study, enterohaemolysin was the predominant virulence factor among the E. coli isolates, and it was thought that it was important for pathogenesis. The Sxt1 gene was higher than the Stx2 gene. A total of 24 L. monocytogenes strains were isolated from a total of 100 ruminant fecal samples and 50 silage samples. Three of these strains were isolated from silage samples taken from the farms, where L. monocytogenes was isolated from sheep feces. As a result, poor quality silage could be an important source of infection for listeriosis in Balıkesir province. Epidemiologically, poor quality silage was thought to be one of the sources of listeriosis. It was thought that ruminant feces played an important role as a reservoir in the spread and transmission of E. coli O157. The antibiotic resistance status of E. coli O157 and L. monocytogenes isolates should be monitored with epidemiological studies.

Comparative Study of Aflatoxin M1 Carry-Over from Feed to Raw ‎Milk in Cow, Buffalo, Sheep, and Goats in Different Areas of ‎Baghdad Province

Mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a threat to food safety and human health because it is present in animal feed and is metabolized into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a more toxic form, during lactation. The aim of this study was to quantify AFM1 concentrations in raw milk of buffalos, cows, sheep, and goats sampled randomly from four regions within Baghdad ‎Province, Iraq, and to compare these levels with the maximum allowable levels set forth by the ‎European Commission (EC), the Iraqi Standard Specification (IQS), and the food and Drug Administration (FDA). The carry-over of AFB1 from feed to AFM1 in milk were also calculated for each of the ‎studied species. A total of 200 random samples, including 50 each from cows, buffaloes, ‎sheep, and goats, were collected from farms located in Zu'afraniya, Nahrawan, Abu Ghraib, and ‎Fedhalia regions. AFM1 and AFB1 concentrations were determined using the ‎enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Raw milk samples from cows, sheep, buffaloes, and goats were all found to have AFM1 concentrations that were below the limits set by the EC, IQS, and FDA. Animal feed samples, on the other hand, had AFB1 concentrations of 10.08, 5.95, 4.27, and 7.10 ppb for ‎buffaloes, cows, sheep, and goats, respectively. The observed carry-over rates ranged from 0.36% ‎in goats to 0.78% in buffaloes to 0.66% in cows. Multiple factors, including animal species, ‎are considered, and it is determined that a universal carry-over equation cannot be applied to all cases. ‎Therefore, it is essential to regularly monitor AFM1 levels in milk from various animal species in order to ‎lessen potential health risks. Furthermore, the study suggests enhancing agricultural and veterinary ‎practices to better regulate feed quality for dairy animals‎‎‎‎.

Determination performance of ICP-MS heavy metals in food and feed test method through participation of proficiency testing programs

The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method is applied to determine the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) in food and animal feed samples at the National Institute for Food Control due to its high accuracy and quick response time. These samples were digested in a microwave using a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, with the yttrium internal standard added initially to control the analysis. The efficiency of the method was evaluated to meet the requirements of AOAC with reasonable specificity, working standard curve for elements in the range from 0.4 to 20 µg/L, the relative standard deviation of repeatability RSDr < 3,55%, and the recoveries (R%) ranged from 92.2 to 103.1%. The method has been validated by participating in international proficiency testing programs in 2021 and 2022 with a value of |z-score| ≤ 2. Therefore, the results affirm the laboratory's competency meets the requirements for the validity of test results ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, reliability for customers and authorities.

Antibiotic Resistance of Enterococcus Species in Ornamental Animal Feed.

Enterococcus is a bacterial genus that is strongly associated with nosocomial infections and has a high capacity to transfer and acquire resistance genes. In this study, the main objective was to evaluate the presence of Enterococcus species in ornamental animal feed and characterize their antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using 14 antimicrobial agents by the disk diffusion method, complemented by genotypic analysis to identify Enterococcus species and the presence of 14 antimicrobial resistance and 10 virulence genes. From 57 samples of ornamental animal feed, 103 Enterococcus isolates were recovered from 15 bird, 9 fish and 4 reptile feed samples. Enterococcus isolates were highly resistance to rifampicin (78%) and erythromycin (48%), and 48% of isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. Enterococcus faecalis (36.7%) and E. faecium (31.7%) were the species most frequently identified. Most isolates carried the resistance genes ermB (57%) and tetL (52%) and the virulence genes, cylL (52%) and esp (40%). Enterococcus gallinarum was the species with the highest number of multidrug-resistant isolates (50%) and virulence genes (80%). These results highlight the high levels of antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus spp. present in ornamental animal feed and the growing interaction of these animals with humans as a public health concern.

Detection of antibacterial activity in chicken meat, eggs, drinking water, animal feed and sewage waste in Tabanan, Bali

Background: The use of antibiotics that are not in accordance with the indications, doses, and duration can trigger resistance and there is concern that it might leave antibiotic residues in the processed product. Aim of this study was to detect the antibacterial activity of livestock products, namely chicken meat and eggs and the surrounding environment such as drinking water, animal feed and waste disposal. This study was a preliminary study before the establishment of antibiotic wise village, One Health approach for antimicrobial stewardship program. Methods: This study was a descriptive study with a cross sectional design to determine antibacterial activity, particularly tetracycline in livestock products and the environment. The research samples were taken from 5 groups of farmers in one of the villages in Tabanan, Bali. Bioassay method based on the Kirby Bauer method was used in this study. Results: From a total of 44 samples, 6 samples showed weak antibiotic tetracycline activity (13.6%), namely in waste disposal (20%) and animal feed (40%). Antibiotic contamination was likely to occur because the animal feed used in this group contains antibiotics with or without the knowledge of the farmers themselves. Disposal waste came from livestock manure that ate the feed or from animal feed that was scattered around the cage. Conclusion: Samples of livestock meat and eggs did not show antibacterial activity. There were samples that have antibiotic activity but weak and inconsistent, namely in samples of waste disposal and animal feed. This condition cannot necessarily be concluded as antibiotic abuse in livestock however it can be the basis for the importance of providing education regarding antimicrobial resistance. Unless there was indication, antibiotics should not be given to livestock on a daily basis.

Development of extruded animal feed based on fat and oil industry waste

The paper considers the way to solve the problem of processing waste from the oil and fat industry, namely sunflower and soybean meals, which are a source of many valuable substances. The peculiarity of the work lies in determining the rational ratio of the base components of extruded animal feed, which is an important aspect of obtaining high-quality competitive products. The research object is the use of oil and fat industry waste in extruded animal feed technology. The rational ratio of the components of extruded animal feed has been determined. The rational ratio of animal feed components is: sunflower meal – 0.40 parts by weight; soybean meal – 0.25 parts by weight; oatmeal – 0.35 parts by weight. The animal feed sample with justified composition corresponds to the commercial analogue in terms of porosity (72 % and 76 %, respectively) and cost ($285/t and $285/t, respectively). In addition, the extruded feed with the developed composition exceeds the commercial analogue in terms of protein content by 3.2 times and essential amino acids content by 2.9 times. The obtained data are explained by the use of a complex of components, namely oil and fat waste and starch-containing grain raw materials with various limiting amino acids and various technological features of the extruded mass of their mixture. The feature of the obtained results is the possibility to control the technological characteristic (porosity) of the finished product depending on the components ratio, which allows changing product characteristics according to consumer requirements. The research results make it possible to efficiently process secondary products of oilseed processing into a new competitive marketable product. From a practical point of view, the technology makes it possible to reduce the cost of storage/utilization of industry waste, get additional income from new products sales and improve environmental conditions. The applied aspect of using the scientific result is the possibility to create a range of animal feed with different technological indicators depending on the components ratio.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed in Colombia.

To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples collected between 2018 and 2021 in Colombia. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study using routine data from the program for inspection, surveillance, and control of animal feed at the Colombian Agriculture Institute. Samples of animal feed for swine, poultry, canine, feline, leporine, piscine, and equine species were processed for detection of E. coli and Salmonella spp. using enrichment and selective culture methods. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using an automated microdilution method. Of 1 748 animal feed samples analyzed, 83 (4.7%) were positive for E. coli and 66 (3.8%) for Salmonella spp. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was highest in feed for poultry (6.4% and 5.5%) and swine (6.1% and 4.3%). Antimicrobial resistance testing was performed in 27 (33%) E. coli isolates and 26 (39%) Salmonella isolates. Among E. coli, resistance was most frequently observed to ampicillin (44.5%) followed by cefazolin (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (29.6%), ampicillin/sulbactam (26%), and ceftriaxone (11.1%). The highest resistance levels in Salmonella spp. isolates were against cefazolin (7.7%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (7.7%). This is the first study from Colombia reporting on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples. Its results establish a baseline over a wide geographical distribution in Colombia. It highlights the need to integrate antimicrobial resistance surveillance in animal feed due to the emergence of resistant bacteria in this important stage of the supply chain.

Nano-assembly of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for sensitive voltammetric responses for the determination of residual levels of endosulfan

Endosulfan (ES) is an extensively utilized agricultural pesticide in developing countries, despite its life-threatening toxic effects. In this study, we propose a sensitive detection method against endosulfan using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Herein, we have conjugated endosulfan with bovine serum albumin (BSA) via zero-length conjugation method and successfully confirmed with various biophysical techniques. Endosulfan antibodies (ES-Ab) were raised in-house, fabricated on electrodes coupled with MWCNT, and optimized to achieve maximum peak current by varying the parameters such as MWCNT and antibody concentration, scan rate, temperature, pH, and response time using voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and impedance spectroscopies (IS) were performed for electrochemical analysis. The fabricated immunosensor was also evaluated for its cross reactivity with isodrin, chlorpyrifos, and monocrotophos. The limit of detection for ES was found to be 0.184 ppt in standard buffer (range 0.001 ppt–100 ppb). Additionally, spiked ES in water, animal feed, root, and leaf extract samples were also analyzed and validated by HPLC. To summarize, the fabricated electrode can be used for successful detection of endosulfan in the agricultural sector to elude the lethal effect at large.

Validation of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detector Methods for Determination of Aflatoxins in Different Food and Animal Feed Samples

Validation of High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detector Methods for Determination of Aflatoxins in Different Food and Animal Feed Samples

Molecular identification and biocontrol of ochratoxigenic fungi and ochratoxin A in animal feed marketed in the state of Qatar

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic fungal metabolite produced by some Aspergillus and Penicillium species. This work was designed to explore the presence of OTA and ochratoxigenic fungi in feed grains marketed in Qatar and their biological control by a bacterium (Burkholderia cepacia). Significantly higher levels of OTA were detected in mixed grains samples (144.59 ± 6.63 μg/kg), compared to the maize (25.27 ± 1.89 μg/kg) and wheat (3.37 ± 0.11 μg/kg). OTA-producing fungi (A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. westerdijkiae, A. carbonarius and P. verrucosum) were identified on the basis of their morphological features as well as through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Putative ochratoxigenic polyketide genes in these isolates were evidenced by using primers AoOTA-L/AoOTA-R (in A. ochraceus and A. westerdijkiae), AoPks1/AoPks2 (in A. niger and A. ochraceus) and PenPks1/Penpks2 (in P. verrucosum). On synthetic media, A. westerdijkiae showed the highest OTA synthesis (5913 ± 576 μg/kg) than the closely related A. ochraceus (3520 ± 303 μg/kg), A. carbonarius (3064 ± 289 μg/kg) and P. verrucosum (3030 ± 710 μg/kg). Burkholderia cepacia cells and culture extract showed promising biological control potentials against OTA producing fungi. On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that animal feed samples are generally contaminated with OTA-producing fungi as well as OTA, and Burkholderia cepacia CS5 exhibits promising antifungal activities.

Fabrication of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers based on aptamers and β-cyclodextrin for synergistic recognition and separation of tetracycline

Tetracycline is extensively used as an antibiotic in animal husbandry, and there arose an increase in antibiotic resistance genes in the environment, posing a threat to human health. Motivated by this, a magnetic molecularly imprinted material based on synergistic recognition (1 + 1>2) was constructed and coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography to detect ultra-trace tetracycline in complicated samples. In this case, the molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized via a “one-pot” method and acted as recognition elements on the surface of silica-coated ferroferric oxide particles. Aptamers and β-cyclodextrin, as functional monomers, had a synergistic effect on the recognition of tetracycline and the synergistic recognition factor was 1.7. Meanwhile, the material exhibited high selectivity to tetracycline with an imprinting factor of 7.6. In addition, compared to being modified on the surface, the stability of the aptamers was effectively improved by cross-linking in the molecularly imprinted polymer framework. Relevant experimental conditions, such as buffers, concentration of magnesium ions and adsorption time, were optimized. As a result, the method showed a limit of detection of 1.0 μg L−1 and the linearity range of 0.005–0.5 mg L−1, as well as certain reproducibility and stability. Furthermore, when applied for the analysis of animal feed samples, a significant reduction of matrix interference was observed with satisfactory recoveries (85.0–111.5%), which emphasized the good accuracy and practicability of the established method. For these advantages, the proposed method represents a versatile and powerful tool for the separation and detection of small molecule compounds in complicated real samples.

Pilot study on the effect of secondary copper smelters on polychlorinated naphthalene contamination in surrounding agricultural areas

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are dioxin-like persistent organic pollutants that are primarily produced unintentionally during industrial thermal processes. These compounds are harmful to the environment and human health. This study investigated the occurrences of all 75 PCN congeners in agricultural areas near secondary copper smelters in China. The PCN concentrations in aquatic foods, eggs, crops, sediments and soils within 10 km of these smelters were higher than those in samples collected 20–30 km away from such facilities. In contrast, the PCN concentrations in compound animal feed samples collected at different distances from the secondary copper smelters were comparable to one another. Similar PCN homologue patterns were found in crop, egg, feed and soil samples collected at different distances from the smelters but the homologue profiles of PCNs in aquatic food and sediment samples collected from different distances varied. Lower chlorinated naphthalenes were the predominant homologues in most samples. The contamination of farm animals and crops with PCNs might result from the emission of these compounds from such sources into the surrounding environment. However, the health risks associated with human exposure to PCNs through food consumption are low for both distances (<10 km and 20–30 km) from secondary copper smelters.

Diversity of Toxigenic Fungi in Livestock and Poultry Feedstuffs

The purpose of this study was to discover how abundant toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins are in animal feedstuff samples. A total of ninety samples representing various types of animal feedstuff samples were collected from ninety sites in Egypt. Isolation, identification, and determination of mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and ochratoxin A) were performed. The results revealed that 79 (87.77%) of the samples were contaminated with fungi, and 1.1 × 105 CFU/g were recovered, including 41 fungal species belonging to 18 genera, such as Zygomycota, which was represented by three species (7.31% of the total species number), teleomorphic Ascomycota (10 species, 24.39%), and anamorphic Ascomycota (28 species, 69.29%). When taxonomically investigated, these species were categorized into 2 phyla, 4 classes, 6 orders, and 12 families (one of them with an uncertain position). Moreover, the genus Aspergillus exhibited 16 species (39.02%). Notably, site no. 6 showed the highest Margalef species richness index at 10.87 followed by site no. 4, while the Shannon diversity index (H) of the recovered taxa was 2.20. Based on the frequency of occurrence, Aspergillus flavus recorded the highest percentage (65.56%) followed by A. niger (50%) and Penicillium chrysogenum (40%). Genus Aspergillus was recorded in 75 samples (88.33%), while Penicillium appeared only in 43 samples, accounting for 47.77% out of 90 samples. The High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was recorded in two animal feedstuff samples at a ratio of 0.851 and 1.363 µg/kg, While AFB2 was discovered in only one animal feedstuff sample at a ratio of 0.479 g/kg. The aflatoxins levels in the positive samples (AFB1 and AFB2) Beef cattle sample components were below the permissible limit for animal feedstuff which is (20 g/kg). Although aflatoxins were found in certain samples, the amounts were much below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) defined by the international authorities or Egyptian guidelines. toxigenic fungi found in contaminated animal feed samples pose a major threat to animal and poultry health, productivity, and even human health. Therefore, periodic monitoring is an excellent way to keep track of their existence and mitigate their hazards.

Animal feed contains diverse populations of Salmonella.

In food animals, Salmonella can exist as multiserovar populations, and the goal of this study was to determine whether Salmonella-positive animal feed samples also consist of multiserovar populations. In all, 50 Salmonella-positive samples, collected from 10 countries, were cultured using three different media for Salmonella isolation: universal pre-enrichment broth, Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) broth and tetrathionate (TT) broth. The samples included 25 samples from feed ingredients, 13 from complete feed and 12 feed mill dust samples. Samples from pelleted overnight cultures were analysed by CRISPR-SeroSeq to examine serovar populations in individual samples. Serovars Anatum and Mbandaka were the most commonly identified and were found in feed, feed ingredients and feed environments. Serovars commonly associated with human illness were also identified, and included serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium and Infantis. Overall, we detected 12 different serogroups (37 different serovars), with eight serovars belonging to the O:7 serogroup (C1 ). Over half (56%) of the samples contained two or more serovars, with 11 serovars found in one sample. Feed ingredients exhibited higher serovar diversity, with an average of three serovars. Across paired samples of pre-enriched and enriched populations, the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity metric showed that 83% of serovar populations were a strong match. The data presented show that serovars belonging to the O:7 serogroup are commonly found in feed, and that feed can contain multiple serovars. The serovar populations across different Salmonella media were largely concordant. The presence of Salmonella in animal feed is considered a transmission route into meat and poultry products and this study demonstrates that animal feed can contain multiple Salmonella serovars.

Aflatoxin B1 variations in animal feeds along the supply chain in Tanzania and its possible reduction by heat treatment

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the presence of aflatoxin B1 in five different animal feeds collected from manufacturers, suppliers and consumers and its possible reduction by heating at 100°C for 180 min. A total of 160 animal feed samples were collected and analyzed by using lateral flow immunoassay method. The results revealed that all animal feeds analyzed were positive for aflatoxin B1 with 91% samples containing high concentrations ranging from 24.00 to 76.23 ng/g above the international allowable standard for animal feeds (20 ng/g). Maize bran (76 ng/g) and sunflower cake (63 ng/g) had higher aflatoxin B1 concentrations, correlating with higher moisture content. Upon heating the feeds, aflatoxin B1 was reduced to a concentration ranging from 2.24 to 9.78 ng/g (<20 ng/g). Our study suggests high potential health problems to animals and humans from aflatoxins requiring proper heating and frequent monitoring of the animal feeds for aflatoxin B1.

Mycotoxin hazards in the Kenyan food and feed market - A retrospective study

Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites naturally found in food and feed as contaminants. Animal feed and human food samples (n=1818) from three major Kenyan laboratories were categorized as compliant and non-compliant according to Kenya, America (USA) and Europe (EU) mycotoxin regulatory limits. Quantitative risk assessment of dietary aflatoxin intake in maize, wheat, peanut and dairy products in relation to human hepatocellular carcinoma was carried out employing deterministic approach. Non-compliant samples’ proportions were calculated, and logistic regression and chi-square test used to compare different commodities. Animal feed were least compliant, with 64% and 39% having total aflatoxin (AFT) levels above Kenya and USA standards, respectively. Peanuts were the most non-compliant food, with 61% and 47% samples failing Kenya and USA AFT standards respectively, while wheat was least compliant (84%) according to EU threshold for AFT. Half of baby food sampled had AFT level above Kenya and EU standards. High non-compliance rate with Kenya, USA and EU regulatory thresholds with respect to seven different mycotoxins (summarized as “mycotoxins”), and also AFT and aflatoxin M1 alone in edible materials is reported. Significant non-compliance is reported for compound animal feed, peanuts, wheat, baby food, feed ingredients, herbal healthy drink, maize and fodder feed in that order. High levels of aflatoxin residues in animal feed and human food was also observed. Lifetime human consumption of wheat and maize leads to high additional risk for primary liver cancer, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with dietary aflatoxin, wheat and its products causing the highest disease burden. Subsequent implications and limitations of current food safety standards are discussed. Humans and animals in Kenya appear to be chronically exposed to mycotoxin hazards: this calls for surveillance and risk management. There is urgent need for enhanced and consistent surveillance of the dietary mycotoxin hazards observed in this study employing representative sampling plans. Regulation and future research need to focus on reliable analysis techniques, collection of data on toxicological effects of mycotoxins and food consumption pattern, and regulatory limits accordingly set and compliance enforced to protect vulnerable groups such as paediatric, geriatric and sick members of the society to reduce cancer burden in Kenya. Key words: Mycotoxins, food, feed, risk analysis, human hepatocellular carcinoma, Kenya

Salmonella spp. in non-edible animal products intended for the preparation of feed (meal) for industrial poultry feed

Non-edible by-products of animal origin are slaughter waste from slaughter animals that after processing give rise to animal meal which in turn is used as ingredients in the preparation of animal feed such as farm animals. Although this practice has its advantages in reducing environmental impact and meeting the nutritional needs of animals, it can serve as a vehicle for microorganisms such as Salmonella spp. Since food can play an important role in the dissemination of pathogens in the poultry production chain through feeding, the objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. samples of non-edible flours of animal origin used in the formulation of feed and also of feed produced from these by-products in slaughterhouses received from Bahia and Pernambuco states, Brazil and that are used in the industrial poultry farms of these States. Out of 649 samples of animal origin flours and feed were analyzed, of which 110 (16.9%) presented Salmonella spp. Statistical analysis, through descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-squase association test (X2) showed an association between the presence of Salmonella spp. and the different types of inedible foods analyzed (p&lt;0.05).This contamination in the analyzed samples indicates failure in the microbiological control during and/or after processing of animal origin flours, making them the sources of pathogen dissemination in the poultry chain.