Occurrence of aflatoxins in layer feed and corn samples in Konya province, Turkey

The natural occurrence of aflatoxin was investigated in layer feed and corn samples brought to Konya Veterinary Control and Research Institute Laboratory between 15 April and 15 December 2002. Seventy-eight samples (52 feeds, 26 corn samples) were analysed for total aflatoxin (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) by an ELISA screening method. Aflatoxin contamination was deter-mined in 37 feed samples (71.1%) and 15 corn samples (57.7%), with a range of 1.5-133 microg kg(-1). However, a majority of the aflatoxin contamination was less than 5 microg kg(-1) (50% within the positive samples). Two feed samples and two corn samples exceeded the maximum tolerated levels in feed (20 microg kg(-1)) and feedstuffs (50 microg kg(-1)) for total flatoxin.