Evaluation of Aflatoxin Contamination in Poultry Feed in Haryana, India

Abstract

The present study investigated aflatoxin contamination in poultry feed and raw ingredients collected from different regions of Haryana, India. A total of 200 samples comprising maize, bajra, rice products, oilseed meals, animal protein meals, and various compound feeds were analyzed. Findings showed that 56% of the samples had contamination levels exceeding the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible threshold of 20 ppb, with greater contamination in compound feeds than raw materials. In raw materials, maize and rice products showed maximum levels of contamination, while soya, mustard, and meat bone meal were below safe levels. Compound feeds, especially starter and broiler feeds, registered persistently elevated aflatoxin levels, with 95% and 83% of samples, respectively, being above the allowed limit. Risky ingredients like rice polish, de-oiled rice bran (DORB), and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were found to be among the most important contributors to contamination. The overall results reflect extreme threats to poultry health, productivity, and safety of food. They highlight the immediate need for targeted surveillance, better storage and handling protocols, and application of mitigation measures like detoxification and toxin binders for reducing the risks from aflatoxins in poultry production facilities.