Contamination of Feed Concentrate and Green Fodder with Pesticide Residues

Animal feed samples (31) comprising feed concentrate (17) and green fodder (14) were evaluated for presence of pesticide residues. In addition to HCH and DDT, residues of endosulfan and malathion were also detected in a limited number of feed concentrate and green fodder samples. Two samples of feed concentrate also revealed residues of dicofol. The limiting values of β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH and total-DDT were exceeded in about 13, 6.5, 6.5 and 9.7% of animal feed samples on dry weight basis. The results show substantial decline with pesticide residues with respect to β-HCH, and total-DDT as compared to the earlier report of about 35% samples exceeding the limiting value of these insecticides. The results suggest regulation of pesticide residues within its limiting values in animal feed of lactating animals to produce milk of acceptable quality.