Isolation and identification of fungi associated with feed stuffs and determination of mycotoxin producing ability

ABSTRACT

A general survey was carried out during the period 1987 / 88 on the microflora associated with animal feedstuffs collected from different factories in east Alger. A total number of 139 fungal isolates were obtained and classified in 12 different genera, namely Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Cordana, Cunning/lamella, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Mycotypha, Penicillium, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Rhopalomyces. Aspergillus isolates were found most widely distributed in the samples. They were 68.3% of the total isolates obtained. Aspergillus ochraceus was 36.8% of the Aspergillus isolated and 25% of the total fungal isolates. Isolates were tested for their ability to produce antibiotics in culture media. All were capable of producing different levels of toxins active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Subsequent investigations have revealed that the majority of fungal organisms included in the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium are able to produce ochratoxins