Mycoflora and Aflatoxin-Producing Strains in Animal Mixed Feeds

Abstract

The mycoflora of 69 samples of animal mixed feeds were studied. Fungal counts ranged from 102 to 108 CFU/g, the lowest counts corresponding to the samples of rabbit feeds. Seventy-one fungal species belonging to 26 genera were identified. The pre- dominant species were Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium moniliforme, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Thirty-six strains of A. flavus and one strain of A. parasiticus were screened for aflatoxin production in yeast extract-sucrose medium. The final pH, weight of mycelium, and production of aflatoxins were determined after 14 days of incubation. Five strains (13.5%) were aflatoxigenic. No statistical differences were observed in mycelial dry weights and final pH between aflatoxin-producing strains and nonaflatoxigenic strains.