| Popis: |
The aim of the present study was to screen maize at the open markets in Osun state, Nigeria to determine species of fungi total aflatoxin content and changes inproximate, energy and some vitamins content of maize grains. A total of forty five mouldy maize samples were collected from the six different open markets within the region which were later bulked into six representative samples (20-50Kg) for each market while Aflasafe maize, obtained from the Internationa lInstitute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was used as a control.There presentative samples from the bulk were taken for proximate,selected vitamins and total aflatoxin contents determination.The quantitative enumeration of fungias colony forming units per gram of the grains (CFU/g) was performed using the surface spread method in different culture media. The results of fungi profile were further expressed as fungal isolation frequency (IF) and relative density (RD). Twelve (12) species and seven fungi genera were isolated in this study. The total fungi count ranged from 1.50x10 to 2.1X10 CFU/g in the six different locations. Aspergillus flavus, Rhyzopus stolonifer and Aspergillus glaucus were the most prevalent species Aspergillus and Rhizopus species occurred at 100% and 87% (IF) respectively. The toxigenic species of Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicellium had 85.7%,14.3% and 14.3% RD respectively. The proximate contents of the mouldy maize reduced by 11.54% for crude protein, 12.72% for ether extract and 1.12% for ash while about 5% caloric loss was observed. Total Aflatoxin in mouldy maize rose from near zero in aflasafe maize to 267.41µg/Kg with an average value of 142.0µg/Kg in mouldy maize while retinol and tocopherol contents were depleted by 48.7% and 37.6% respectively. This study indicated substantial loss of nutrients and reduced feed value in maize due to mould contamination and the need for continuous assessment offered ingredients particularly maize for mycological and nutritive status in order to feed animals for optimal performance |
