High Presence of Toxigenic Aspergillus spp. in Commercial Poultry Feeds in Ilaro, Nigeria

Background: Several health problems may be occurred due to consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated foods and feeds. The maize and oilseeds, as the main components of poultry feeds are susceptible to mould contamination and mycotoxin production. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of toxigenic Aspergillus spp. in poultry feeds from Ilaro, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 60 poultry feed samples were collected from five (A-E) feed millers in Ilaro, Nigeria. The feeds were classified into four groups, including broiler super starter, broiler starter, boiler grower mash, and broiler finisher mash. Moulds were isolated by spread plate technique and were identified using the conventional morphological method. The toxigenic potentials of the isolates were determined by ammonia vapor test. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. Results: The results showed that all feed samples (100%) were contaminated with Aspergillus spp. Out of 93 Aspergillus spp. isolates, A. flavus (40 of 93) had the most prevalence, while A. parasiticus (8 of 93) was the least. Totally, 15 out of 93 (16.1%) Aspergillus spp. strains showed toxin production potentials. Conclusion: The presence of toxigenic Aspergillus in the feed leads to the secretion of hazardous toxins especially aflatoxins which can contaminate poultry meat endangering food chain. Consequently, there is an urgent need to create more awareness on the health implications of feeding poultry with mycotoxins-contaminated feeds in this region of Nigeria.