Monitoring of aflatoxins in captive avifauna feed in summer and monsoon seasons

Aflatoxins are the most common types of mycotoxins that are further categorized as AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2. They are toxic metabolites and are produced by fungi, mostly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. In the present research, aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 were monitored in the feed of captive birds. A total of 40 feed samples were collected in summer and monsoon season from Lahore Zoo from cages of ten bird species such as Ostrich (Struthio camelus), Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), Green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor), Silver Pheasant (Lophurany cthemera), Crane Bird (Grus virgo), Chukar (Alectoris chukar), Red-Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus indicus), Finches (Fringillidae), Alaxandrine parakeet (Psitta culaeupatria), and Turkey Bird (Meleagris). The Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) method was used to detect and estimate the level of aflatoxins. Upon quantification, out of 40 samples 21 were contaminated, and of them, 17 were within the permissible range, while 4 were contaminated beyond the permissible range. The tolerant range of the limit of aflatoxins in avifauna feed daily was 10 µg/kg according to the EU (2010). AFB1 was detected in 21 samples, whereas B2, G1, and G2 were not detected in any sample. The overall percentage of contaminated feed samples was lower in summer (35%) as compared to the monsoon season (65%). Statistical analysis, such as an independent sample t-test, was done by using SPSS version 22, and significant differences (<0.05) were noticed in aflatoxin levels in summer and monsoon season. However, there were non-significant differences that were noticed among the feed samples of different birds by ANOVA. It was concluded that the storage condition of feed samples was better in Lahore Zoo. However, in the monsoon season, there is a need of special care by the feed regulating authorities of the Zoo so that the spread of aflatoxins can be reduced.