Determination of mycotoxins level in poultry feeds at Dhamar Governorate, Yemen

Abstract

Mycotoxins contamination in feed is a global safety concern. It induces significant economic losses to the poultry industry and poses substantial hazards to human health. The present study aimed to determine the levels of mycotoxin contamination in formulated and raw materials feeds used to grow broilers chicken in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen. A total of 36 samples were randomly collected from variety types of poultry feed used in poultry farms at Dhamar governorate. Methanol were used as organic solvents for mycotoxin extraction from solid feed samples. Quantitative, rapid ELISA test kits were used to detect levels of mycotoxins. The results revealed that, Aflatoxins, T-2 toxins, Ochratoxins A, and Zeralenone were detected in 36.11%, 83.33%, 22.22%, and 100% of the tested samples, with contamination levels of 0.37, 21.67, 0.8, and 14.04 ppb, respectively. The highest levels of aflatoxins and Ochratoxins were found in Ordinary Feed-I (1.00 and 3.47 ppb) and Ordinary feed-II (1.07 and 4.9 ppb) respectively. Similarly, the highest level of Zearalenone was detected in Ordinary feed-I (19.87 ppb). The highest levels of T-2 toxin were detected in the Primitive concentrate (49.23 ppb) and Final Concentrate (49.47 ppb). Mycotoxins were detected at relatively lower levels in the other feed types tested. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P value < 0.05) in mycotoxin levels between feed types. Ordinary Feeds were more contaminated compared to raw ingredient feeds. These findings highlight the threat posed by mycotoxins to poultry and public health in Dhamar governorate and point to the need to implement intervention measures to reduce these risks. Further studies are required to determine the factors associated with mycotoxins contamination in poultry feeds.