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

Abstract

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 Bandirma 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 mu g kg(-1) and from 0.45 to 47.0 mu g kg(-1) in the year 2007 and the year 2008 samples, respectively. It was determined that nitrate levels were 2.4-10 and 1.7-13 mu g kg(-1) and that nitrite levels were 0-2.4 mu g kg(-1) and 0-2.6 mu g kg(-1) 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.