[The occurrence of aflatoxins in some components and complete feed mixtures for pigs]

The feed components and complete feed mixtures used in pig breeding and fattening in June 1978 were examined qualitatively by the silica-gel thin-layer chromatographic method, and quantitatively by the method after Velasco. The object of the examination was the occurrence of aflatoxins. On the whole, 104 feed samples were taken and subjected to the laboratory examination; this total number included 77 samples (74.0%) coming from 24 farms and 27 samples (26.0%) from eight feed plants in the South Moravian region. The presence of aflatoxins was detected in 14 samples of the examined feeds, i. e. 13.4%. The highest content -- 1920 micrograms kg-1 -- was found in groundnut from India. As to the complete feed mixtures, aflatoxin was found in mixtures for pig fattening (A1 and SOL), in mixtures for pregnant sows (KPB), for lactating sows (KPK), and in the complete feed mixtunts ranged between 50 and 350 micrograms kg-1 of feed. The organoleptically altered feed samples, taken from metallic containers standing in front of the stables on the farms, contained aflatoxin almost in all cases. It will be necessary, on the basis of these findings, to take preventive measures during the harvesting, post-harvest treatment, and storage of grain and feed components, in order to avert the multiplication of the mould and deterioration of the feeds.