Assessment of Aflatoxin Level in Commercial Layers Feed and Producers Awareness on its Negative EffectsinKhartoum State

Abstract

A study was conducted during the period July –November 2018 to assess the level of contamination of commercial layer feed by aflatoxin in Khartoum State and also to study the awareness of the producers on aflatoxin hazards on the poultry industry and human health . 25 commercial layer’s feed samples(10 from Khartoum locality poultry farms , 10 from Khartoum North and 5 from Omdurman) were randomly selected and used in the study .A questionnaire was also designed to collect information on management, biosecurity and level of awareness of the producers on aflatoxin and its negative impact on poultry industry and human health .Data of the feed samples were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and LSD Test while the data of the farm management was done by simple percentage . The main findings, most of the producers were specialized in poultry solely and 84% of them just in table eggs production .The majority used closed housing system , 68% raised over 4000 birds in all-in –all -out production system . 44% of the farm managers were veterinarians and 40% Animal Production specialist and had well knowledge on the effect of aflatoxin contamination on poultry production and human health . The majority of producer kept production and health records. 64% from producers stored feed for one week. On biosecurity side most farms were fenced , use gate antiseptics and keep acceptable distances between farms. 80% of producers studied added anti-aflatoxin in the feed while 20% in drinking water. For the aflatoxin calibration (56%) was done by veterinarians . 80% of producers have lack of information source while (56%) did not check feed for aflatoxin contamination due to high cost of the analysis test. determination of aflatoxin level was carried out using (Afla Test) in Sudanese Standard Metrology Organization (SSMO)Laboratories in Khartoum. The result showed that, the aflatoxin level was 1.76PPb for Khartoum ,4.66PPb for Khartoum North and 1.26PPb for Omdurman .The mean aggregate of aflatoxin level in Khartoum State was found tobe 2.6PPb.The result showed significant difference)P≤0.05) between ,Khartoum North and Khartoum and Khartoum North and Omdurman while no significant difference observed between Khartoum and Omdurman .The study concluded that the level of aflatoxin in commercial layer’s feed is less than 20PPb which is safe margin for layers in Khartoum State as out lined by SSMO in (2015).