Occurrence of fumonisin B1 in maize and poultry feeds in Haryana, India.

A total of 100 maize and 50 poultry feed samples collected in 1998 at random from nine and eight districts of Haryana, respectively, were analysed for fumonisin B1. The samples were collected from poultry farms, feed manufacturers and markets. Ninety one (91%) maize samples and forty two (84%) poultry feed samples were found to contain fumonisin B1. Fumonisin B1 contamination in the maize samples ranged from 0.1-87.0 ppm. Whereas the poultry feed samples contained fumonisin B1 in the range of 0.02-28.0 ppm. It indicated widespread prevalence of fumonisin B1 in maize and poultry feeds in different areas of Haryana.

Toxicity of aflatoxin B1 in broiler chicks and its reduction by activated charcoal.

A study was conducted on 60 broiler chicks of the effect of activated charcoal (200 ppm) on the toxicity of 0.5 ppm aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in feed fed from day 1 to day 42. Activated charcoal was found to be moderately effective in reducing the harmful effects of AFB1 as assessed by growth response and various biochemical parameters. The feeding of activated charcoal along with AFB1 reduced the inhibitory effect of AFB1 on bodyweights and feed intake. There was also a significant improvement in the serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total proteins, calcium and phosphorus levels. However, no significant improvement was observed in cholesterol levels.