Assessment of aflatoxin and heavy metals levels in maize and poultry feeds from Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the concentration total aflatoxin and heavy metals (lead cadmium, chromium copper) in poultry feed ingredients from two regions (north central) Delta State, Nigeria. A 120 samples collected (comprising maize, soybean meal, layers mash broiler finisher) directly farms, mills dealers were analysed for moisture content, (lead, concentrations. Moisture content using standard Association Official Agricultural Chemists method, while concentrations determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Total aflatoxins ranged 12.0 20 µg/kg 21 31 north central region, Apart other marginally lower (18–20 µg/kg) than permitted levels. On hand, levels all above tolerable limits. Copper less permissible limit, 44.4, 29.1 21% had lead, cadmium chromium, respectively, limit. presence lead feeds limits 5 mg/kg, may pose a risk animal productivity human health.