AFLATOXIN-B1 SURVEY RESULTS IN POULTRY FEEDSTUFF INGREDIENTS AND COMMERCIAL FEED MIXTURES

Aflatoxin B1 concentrations were investigated in feed ingredients and commercial mixtures for poultry. Aflatoxin B1 was determined by a radioimmunoassay using a commercial RIA-kit. In the course of four years (1986-1989) 361 samples were examined. The investigation revealed the ways and extent of contamination of imported feed components. Regarding the poultry feedstuffingredients only the concentration of aflatoxin B1 in soybean extracted meal (130-mu-g . kg-1) was beyond the allowable 30-mu-g . kg-1 limit. In the commercial feed mixtures for poultry, with the exception of 2% of samples of the feeds for hens, all samples complied with the highest concentrations (2-mu-g per kg for young poultry, 20-mu-g per kg for adult poultry). In view of the poultry health and if the production potential is to be maintained, it will be important to prevent and reduce the occurrence of aflatoxins in feeds by taking strict diagnostic and preventive measures.