Determination of Aflatoxins contamination in Corn (Zea mays.) used for animal feed

ABSTRACT:

This research study aimed to estimate the total aflatoxins in corn used for livestock feed intended for breeding cattle, beef, and mature poultry. Total 60 corn samples for livestock feed were collected from different markets and feed shops in Lahore. Total aflatoxin AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 were estimated using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and quantitative ELISA methods. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily intake of aflatoxin in livestock feed is a 100ppb threshold. Total 60 samples were examined; 20% were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and B2, and the rest of 55% samples were contaminated only with aflatoxin B1. Aflatoxin G1 and G2 were not detected in any feed. The results showed that 20% of samples were contaminated within the permissible limit, 55% were unfit due to having above the allowable limit, and 25% were fit, which did not show any aflatoxin. The current study has demonstrated the easy way of determining aflatoxin in corn used for livestock feed.