Influence of Storage Condition, Bag Material and Duration of Feed Storage on Aflatoxin Production

Studies on influence of different storage conditions and type of bag material on aflatoxin production in animal feeds were conducted. Storage of groundnut cake (GNC) and maize with 12 per cent moisture level in open plastic containers under godown conditions for 28 days period showed a significant (P<0.01) increase in the aflatoxin (B) content from 10±0.50 to 70±3,5 ppb in GNC and 8±0.76 to 34±3.3 ppb in maize. Storage studies with jute/gunny and HDPE bags showed higher fungal spore count (31–58 x 10⁴ CFU/g) and significantly (P<0.05) higher aflatoxin production (385±15 to 393±2 ppb) in feeds stored in gunny (jute) bags as compared to HDPE bags (27–43 x 10⁴ CFU/gm & 343±4 to 360±21 ppb) at 12.5–15 per cent moisture level. The spore count and the aflatoxin production (6–9 x 10⁴ CFU/g & 20–25 ppb) were minimum in both the type of bags at 7.5 per cent moisture level and was uniformly increased in both the bags at 10 per cent moisture level (33–76 ppb & 35–68 ppb). It is suggested that below 10 per centmoisture level is safe for feed storage provided further entry of moisture is not there. At above 12.5 per cent moisture level, storing feeds in HDPE bags could considerably reduce fungal growth and aflatoxin production but drying and storing would be more appropriate and safe.