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The antifungal activity of natamycin toward molds isolated from commercially manufactured poultry feed

A M Brothers1, R D Wyatt

  • 1Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, USA.

Avian Diseases
|September 28, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Natamycin effectively inhibited mold growth in poultry feed, showing potent antifungal activity against various Aspergillus species. Its growth inhibition was more significant than its sporicidal effects, even against aflatoxigenic strains.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Food Science
  • Antimicrobial Agents

Background:

  • Molds in commercial poultry feed can produce mycotoxins, posing risks to animal health and food safety.
  • Natamycin is a polyene antifungal compound with known antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antifungal activity of natamycin against molds isolated from commercial poultry feed.
  • To determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of natamycin for various mold species.

Main Methods:

  • Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays were performed on 191 mold isolates using potato dextrose agar with varying natamycin concentrations (0-200 mg/liter).
  • Antifungal activity was assessed against Aspergillus spp., Paecilomyces spp., Rhizopus spp., Fusarium moniliforme, and Penicillium rubrum.

Main Results:

  • Natamycin demonstrated high antifungal activity against Aspergillus species, with average MICs from 5.08 to 40.1 mg/liter.
  • It was effective against both aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus.
  • MIC values for Paecilomyces and Rhizopus spp. ranged from 2.15 to 5.80 mg/liter.
  • Apparent sporicidal activity was observed against Fusarium moniliforme and A. parasiticus spores at concentrations ≥25 mg/liter for ≥12 hours, though growth inhibition was more pronounced.

Conclusions:

  • Natamycin is a highly effective antifungal agent against a broad spectrum of molds found in poultry feed.
  • Its growth-inhibiting properties are more significant than its sporicidal effects under the tested conditions.
  • Natamycin shows potential as a feed preservative to control mold contamination and mycotoxin production.

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