Spoilage moulds and aflatoxins from poultry feeds

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Abstract
Aflatoxin producing strains of Aspergillus flayus Link (IMI 280819) and A. oryzae (Ahlb.) Cohn (IMI 280831) were among the eleven spoilage moulds isolated from five types of poultry feeds. The recorded pH and moisture content values of the various feeds are conducive to mould deterioration. All the four principal aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2) were detected in the analysed feeds though at toxicologically ‘safe’ levels for most farm animals. Significant quantities of aflatoxin B1 were produced by the two fungal isolates in all the five classes of poultry feeds with A. flavus yielding the larger amounts. Optimum aflatoxin B1 production and mycelial growth in chick mash infusion medium were recorded for both species at 30 and 35 °C, respectively and similarly on the 8th and 6th day respectively when cultures were incubated at 30 °C.