Proximate analysis and aflatoxin contamination in poultry feeds: a comparative study of two feed companies in Jos and Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract This study investigates the proximate composition, aflatoxin contamination, and their implications on the health and wellbeing of broilers and layers, as well as the comparison from two poultry feed manufacturing feed companies (C1 and C2) located in Jos and Kaduna, Nigeria. A total of 168 samples were collected from four feed types (starters, finishers, chicks, growers) from these companies. Samples were ground, sieved, and analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fiber, carbohydrate, energy, and aflatoxin content using standard methods. Proximate analysis results revealed significant differences in nutritional components between the two locations. In C1, the moisture content ranged from 8 to 18%, while in C2, where moisture levels ranged from 8 to 17%. The protein content in C1 and C2 ranged from 14.5% to 24% ~ 25%. Fat content was similar in both companies (5%–8%) as was the ash content (5%–8%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 46 to 62% in C1 and from 46% to 60.8% in C2. Aflatoxin levels exceeded the recommended threshold of 20 μg/kg, particularly in starter feeds from C1 (S1, S3, S7) and in the finisher feeds from C2 (S1, S4). Statistical analyses revealed that moisture content and aflatoxin levels were the dominant factors influencing feed quality. Moisture content contributed to fungal growth and subsequent contamination, with a positive correlation between moisture and aflatoxin levels (r = 0.92) and a negative correlation between moisture and protein (r = − 0.68). Higher moisture levels may reduce protein concentration and increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination. The study indicates that moisture content and aflatoxin contamination significantly affect poultry health across both plants. Broilers exposed to high aflatoxin levels experienced reduced growth rates, immunosuppression, and increased mortality. Layers showed decreased egg production and quality with prolonged exposure. The recommendations include improved moisture control, regular aflatoxin testing, and the use of detoxifying agents to mitigate contamination, ensuring both poultry health and consumer safety.