MYCOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL SCREENING OF MOULDY CORN USED IN LAYERS FEED IN WESTERN PART OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine species of the fungal genera, the total aflatoxin contamination and changes in nutritional profile of mouldy maize grain intended for poultry farm in western part of Nigeria. A total of six representative mouldy corn samples (20-50Kg) per sample were collected. from six different open markets in Ile-Ife and its environs. The quantitative enumeration of fungi as colony-forming units per gram of the grains (CFU/g) was performed using the surface spread method in different culture media. The results were expressed as fungal isolation frequency and relative density. Fungal total counts ranged, from <1 x10 to 4.7*10° CFU/g. Seven mould genera were recovered, 3 of which are known to be mycotoxigenic. More than 12 species were determined. Among toxigenic genera, Aspergillus (83%) was the most prevalent, followed by Fusarium (16.7%) and Penicillium species (16.7%). Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergilus parasiticus were the most prevalent species. The proximate contents of the mouldy maize fall by 11.54 % crude protein, 12.72% ether extract and 1.12% ash. Total Aflatoxin in mouldy maize rose from near zero in aflasafémaize to 267.41 ug/Kg in mouldy maize. This study indicates the need for continuous assessment of the mycological status of animal feed production, in order to feed animals for optimal performance.