Seasonal Variation in Prevalence of Mycotoxins in Feed and Feedstuffs at Beni-Suef Governorate in Egypt

The prevalence of mycotoxins in animal and poultry feeds under different environmental variations in summer and winter seasons were investigated. One hundred and six samples of feeds were collected (58 samples during summer and 48 during winter seasons)for detection of aflatoxins(Afs) and ochratoxin (OA )contamination. The samples were collected from farms at Beni-Suef governorate in which the animal and poultry suffered from signs of toxicities as vomiting, diarrhea, diminished production of meat and milk and stunted growth. The results revealed that the incidence and levels of mycotoxins in feed during summer season were comparatively higher than in winter season. Where, the Afs residues were detected in all examined samples of (white corn, wheat bran, barseem hay, poultry feed, concentrated feeds and silage)(100%), during summer season . Whereas, in winter season comparatively lower incidence and levels of aflatoxins were detected in samples(yellow corn, white corn, soya bean, wheat bran, barseem hay, poultry feed, concentrated feeds and silage, cotton seed cake , dairy feed and broiler concentrates) at the rates of incidence of 16.6%, 50%, 33.3%, 70%, 80%, 60%, 75%,62.5%, 50%0% and 66,6%), respectively. Similarly, the detected incidence rates of OA in winter season were also comparatively lower than that detected in summer season, Where, the OA residues were detected in all examined samples of (white corn, concentrated feeds and silage)(100%), during summer season. Whereas, 83.3% , 50%, 33,3% and 72% of examined yellow corn, wheat bran, barseem hay and poultry feed samples were contaminated with OA, respectively. But, in winter season, the OA residues were not detected in all samples of (yellow corn, white corn, wheat bran, poultry feed and broiler concentrates), While, the rates of incidence of OA in samples of (soya bean, barseem hay, concentrated feeds silage, cotton seed cake and dairy feed) in winter season were (33.3%, 30%, 60%, 25%, 80% and 50%), respectively. Therefore, frequent testing program of the animal feeds and other environmental factors for mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins contamination are a critical demand today to safe the animal and human health.