Aim: Mycotoxins are prevalent in animal feeds and agricultural products. These toxins are produced by fungi and once incorporated in the substrate, are not easy to eradicate. They are associated with morbidity and mortality in both livestock and humans. Avoiding contamination is the preferred way of mitigating mycotoxins in livestock feeds and cereals. Study Design: A purposive multiple-stage survey design was used in this study. Place and Duration of Study: Between February and March 2016 to assess factors that exacerbate mycotoxins due to feed type and handling practice by smallholder farmers in farmer groups keeping indigenous chicken in Western Kenya. Methodology: Three counties Siaya, Busia and Kakamega of Kenya were selected based on the population of indigenous chicken. Semi-structured questionnaires were used in gathering data on feed types, handling practices and mycotoxins awareness from 180 farmers in women and youth groups. Results: Common feed types identified included maize (96%), sorghum (54%), cassava (42%), millet (40%), homemade rations (16%), while 44% used commercial feeds. It was noted that 38% use rotten, insect-infested, unsorted and broken cereals and 62% clean cereals as feeds. For storage, 85% and 7% of farmers were using polypropylene and hermetic bags, respectively; 97% dried their grains/feeds on a platform; 21% were not sorting their grains and 17% were not using grain preservatives during storage. Mycotoxin awareness levels were assessed among farmers. Approximately 44% of farmers were unaware of feed safety while 71% were aware of mycotoxins; however, 73% of participants were unaware of dangers posed by mycotoxin contamination in feeds. Conclusion: Information to farmers on mycotoxin and proper feed and cereals handling and storage practices is necessary for mycotoxin management. Therefore, avoiding contamination is a preferred method of mitigating mycotoxins in indigenous chicken feeds and cereals.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.