Occurrence of mycotoxins in complete poultry feeds in the Czech Republic – Multiannual survey (2013–2018)

Abstract

To assess the contamination and potential health risks for poultry, we investigated concentrations of selected mycotoxins in complete feeds sampled within the period of 2013–2018 in the Czech Republic. Broiler feeds, feeds for laying hens, chickens and/or other poultry species were investigated by ELISA methods or chromatography. Our results demonstrated that unlike other mycotoxins, (such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A or zearalenone), deoxynivalenol (DON) may represent a potential threat. The prevalence of this mycotoxin in all the feed categories was very high, always reaching at least 81.29%. Moreover, in 14 of the 139 analysed broiler feed samples (i.e., in 10.81% of samples), DON was detected in concentrations exceeding the recent guidance value of 5 000 µg/kg established by EU legislation. Since previous studies demonstrated that the long-term feeding of such a highly contaminated diet could cause stress in the animals and could lead to their growth suppression, good agricultural practices and the further systematic monitoring of Czech poultry feeds are still highly needed.