Assessment of exposure of broiler chicken in Brazil to mycotoxins through naturally contaminated feed

The objective of the present study was to assess the degree of exposure of broiler chicken to mycotoxins through naturally contaminated feed and the hygienic quality of feeds. For this purpose the total fungal count and occurrence of fumonisins and aflatoxins were evaluated in four feed types intended for broilers (n?=?158), collected from a poultry breeding farm in northern Paraná State, Brazil. In most feed samples (94 % pre-starter, 91 % starter, 99 % grower and 97 % finisher feeds) the total mould and yeast counts were below 1.0?×?10⁴ CFU/g, the maximum limit established to assure a good hygienic quality of the product. Fumonisins were detected in 94.9 % feed samples at mean levels ranging from 0.52 mg/kg (finisher) to 0.68 mg/kg (pre-starter and grower), while aflatoxins were detected in 72.1 % feed samples at mean levels ranging from 0.0022 mg/kg (pre-starter) to 0.0064 mg/kg (grower). The maximum estimated daily intake of fumonisin B₁ for broilers (0.057 mg/kg body weight/day) was below the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (2 mg/kg bw/day). Concerning aflatoxins, most of the positive samples (97 %) showed aflatoxin levels below the maximum limit allowed by the European Commission 0.02 mg aflatoxin B₁/kg. Nevertheless, a rigorous monitoring program of the feed producing chain is essential in order to minimize human health hazards. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the degree of exposure of broilers to mycotoxins through naturally contaminated feed in Brazil.