Determination Of Cyanide, Nitrate And Nitrite Contents In Poultry Feeds Of Four Top Animal Feed Companies In Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

The total cyanide, nitrate and nitrite contents of four Top Animal Feed Companies in Nigeria were evaluated by means of enzymatic and spectrophotometric methods. Nitrite was determined spectrophotometrically and nitrate after reduction to nitrite with spongy cadmium. Enzymatic analysis of the feed samples indicated total cyanide level ranging between 1.98- 25.74pg/100ml, 1.58-18.22pg/lO0ml, 5.94-13.86pg/lo0ml and 3.56- 78.olpg/100ml for broiler finishers' feed, growers' feed, layers' feed and broilers starters' feed respectively. Nitrite levels obtained ranged 5.63- 16.88pg/loornl, 5.83-15.00pg/looml, 5.21-13 .75pg/100ml and 5.21- 21.88jig/100ml for broiler finishers' feed, growers' feed, layers' feed and broiler starters' feed respectively. These values are higher than the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) allocated by the Joint FAO/WHO which is 0-0.1 mg/kg. Nitrate levels ranged 3.96-35 .00,ug/lOOml, 16.88-22.9j,zg/100ml, 1.68- 35 .83pg/100rnl and 0.83-28.3 3pg/ 1 DOmi for broiler finishers' feed, growers' feed, layers' feed and broiler starters' feed respectively. Results obtained were discussed from nutritional and toxicological points of view.