Assessment Of Phytotoxins/Anti-Nutritional Factors Contents Of Poultry Feeds In Nigerian

ABSTRACT

The anti-nutritional factors contents of poultry feeds produced and distributed by four major animal feed companies in Nigeria were evaluated. Analysis of poultry feed samples from four different feed companies were carried out using different acceptable chemical methods of analysis. Tannins, cyanogens, trypsin inhibitors, phytate ,oxalate and saponin were among the anti - nutritional factors or phytotoxins detected in the feeds at varying concentrations. The concentration of cyanide measured in these feeds ranged 3.00 - 8.32, 8.21 - 22.18 ,2.50 - 20.20 arid 5.12 - 19.00mg kg 1 for broiler finisher, growers mash, layers and starter feeds respectively. Tannin levels ranged 0.02 - 0.14, 0.,06 - 0.19, 0.03 - 0.13 and 0.05 - 0.08 mgkg 1 respectively following the order above. Trypsin inhibitor activity of the feeds ranged 60-138, 20 - 516, 60 - 126 and 40 - 159 Tui/g for the broiler finisher, growers mash, layers and broiler starter feeds respectively. Varying concentrations of oxalates, phytates,saponins and crude protein content were also defected. These findings are discussed from nutritional and toxicological points of view with respect to poultry animals.