Exploitation of selected plant extracts as bio-control against fungal contaminants in animal feed.

Abstract

Objectives: Pakistan is among the top agricultural countries around the globe, but mycotoxin contamination causes a major commercial loss every year. The present study aimed to isolate the fungi and their mycotoxins present in contaminated feed of animals in the local market of Peshawar. Methodology: The antifungal activity of certain plant extracts was to be tested against pathogenic fungi. TLC method was used for mycotoxin analysis and it was found that Aflatoxin G1, G2, B1 and B2 were present in different amounts both qualitatively and quantitatively based on samples. Result: This study found the presence of contamination in all the tested feed samples. All ten samples were found positive for Aspergillus flavus. B1 toxin was found in high quantity in all ten samples, while G2 was found in a lower quantity as compared to other toxins such as G1, B1 and B2. The quantity of aflatoxin was from 48.6 to 284.7 ppb in 25 g of samples. In the case of antifungal potency, all plant extracts showed important antifungal potency against tested fungi. The MIC and MFC values noted ranged from 110 to 300 mg/ml and 100–300 mg/ml respectively. Citrus aurantium and Myrtus communis were absorbed to have antifungal potency against all test fungi. Citrus aurantium extracts were also found to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus. Conclusion: According to the results of the present research, a variety of fungal strains and aflatoxins were present in animal feed in numerous parts of Peshawar, Pakistan and different plant extracts can be used in animal feed to reduce this type of contamination.