Mycoflora and Aflatoxins Associated with Poultry Feeds in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia PDF

Keywords

Aflatoxins, mycoflora, poultry feeds, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

One hundred and twenty feed samples collected from different poultry farms located in Aseer region of Saudi Arabia were screened from January to December 2003. Twelve fungal genera and 27 species were identified. Aspergillus (85%) and Penicillium (47%) were the genera most commonly isolated from the feeds. Aflatoxins B1, B2, and G2 were produced by twelve fungal species. Aspergillus flavus and 4. parasiticus produced the largest amount of aflatoxin B1 (700 and 500 g/l, respectively). A. parasiticus produced the largest amount of aflatoxins B2 and G2 (400 and 300 Ig/l, respectively). Penicillium notatum produced the highest amount of aflatoxin B2 (140 Ig/l). Scopulariopsis brevicaulis produced the largest amount of aflatoxin G1 (280 Ig/l). Propionic and oxalic acids completely inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production of A flavus and A. parasiticus between pH 2.5 and 5.0. Citric and tartaric acids, on the other hand, completely inhibited the growth and aflatoxin production of the same species at pH values between 2.5 and 4.0