ABSTRACT
Background: There is a scarcity of information concerning knowledge of aflatoxin contamination of feeds among farmers even in aflatoxin-prone regions in Kenya. Thus, knowledge of aflatoxins in feeds among poultry farmers is of paramount importance in designing plans to minimize risks of aflatoxin exposure. Therefore, this study sought to assess the Determinants of Knowledge on Aflatoxin Among Broiler farmers in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methodology: The study utilized an analytical cross-sectional study design. A total of 240 farmers were sampled from a population of 600 farmers within Nairobi City County. A structured questionnaire was administered to farmers within Nairobi City County. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data descriptively. Results were presented in tables and figures. Ethical approval was sought from relevant authorities and parties before the commencement of the study. Results: Results from the study show that the majority of the farmers (58.2%) had knowledge of aflatoxin. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers and knowledge of aflatoxin. Conclusion: The study concludes that the farmers had adequate knowledge of aflatoxin occurrence in feeds and methods to reduce the contamination. There is a need for continuous sensitization of farmers on aflatoxin, particularly on feed management practices by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health Division of Public Health in Kenya.
ABSTRACT
Aflatoxin levels in animal feed should be observed from the farm to the table to ensure the safety of the feed to animals and humans. The contamination of cereals and other agricultural supplies used in animal feed production could happen in the farm in the pre-harvest phase or in the post-harvest phase. The study sought to determine Aflatoxin levels in broiler feed from selected farms in Nairobi City County. A total of 42 feed samples were collected. Samples were analyzed using the LCMS/MS technique. Results from the study show that Aflatoxin levels in broiler starter were; B1(17.26±3.07 ppb), B2 (2.44±0.84 ppb), G1 (8.87±2.41 ppb), G2 (0.9±0.44 ppb) and Total AF (29.47±6.13 ppb). Aflatoxin levels in broiler finisher were B1 (17.17±3.09 ppb), B2 (2.68±1.18 ppb), G1 (9.25±2.7 ppb), G2 (1±0.45 ppb) and Total AF (30.1±6.88 ppb). Results from analysis of feed samples showed that AFB1 levels in both broiler starter and broiler finisher were above the KEBS limit but were below the EAC, EU and WHO/FAO limit. Total Aflatoxin levels were above the KEBS limit but below the EAC limit. There is need to enhance the capacity of feed surveillance and monitoring in the country through various laboratory analysis techniques among various agencies in the feed value chain to ensure feed safety.