Mycotoxin contamination in maize as poultry feed

The study was undertaken to monitor aflatoxin B₁ and citrinin contents in maize used as a common cereal based energy source for poultry feeding in and around Bareilly District of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 120 samples of maize were collected and analysed for the presence of aflatoxin B₁ and citrinin. The monthly percentage of aflatoxin B₁ contamination varied from 80 to 100, whereas in the case of citrinin the monthly contamination varied from 60 to 90 per cent. Ninety per cent of the maize samples were found to be positive for aflatoxin B₁. The values ranged from 0.00 to 0.80 ppm with an average of 0.14 ppm of aflatoxin B₁. With regard to citrinin, seventy four per cent of the maize samples were found to be positive for citrinin. The values ranged from 0.00 to 1.35 ppm with an average of 0.35 ppm of citrinin. It is concluded that higher percentage of maize samples were contaminated with mycotoxins. The aflatoxin B₁ content of maize samples was comparatively higher during warm and humid months however, this was not the case with citrinin content of maize samples.