Evaluation of total aflatoxin, nitrate and nitrite levels in layer feed samples of companies producing their own feed in Edincik and Bandırma province of Turkey

What is it about?

Feed contamination by fungi can lead to nutrient losses and detrimental effects on animal health and production. The presence of nitrates and nitrites in food can be harmful to both people and animals. The aim of this study was to determine total aflatoxin, nitrate and nitrite levels in layer feed samples from companies producing their own feed in Edincik and Band|rma provinces in Turkey and to discuss the potential risk to animal health. The results of the analyses indicated that mean total aflatoxin (AFT) ranged from 0.4 to 36.8 mgkg1 and from 0.45 to 47.0 mgkg1 in the year 2007 and the year 2008 samples, respectively. It was determined that nitrate levels were 2.4–10 and 1.7–13 mgkg1 and that nitrite levels were 0–2.4 mgkg1 and 0–2.6 mgkg1 in these years, respectively. The levels of total aflatoxin, nitrate and nitrite in the layer samples could not be considered a risk to poultry health and productivity.

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