MYCOFLORA AND MYCOTOXIN-PRODUCING POTENTIAL OF FUNGI FROM POULTRY FEEDS AND FEED INGREDIENTS IN TRINIDAD

A survey of the mycoflora of poultry feeds and feed ingredients revealed a wide range of fungal genera and species, many of which are reported to be mycotoxigenic. Subculturing of randomly selected isolates from three of the most commonly occurring species confirmed their mycotoxin-producing potential. On a brown-rice substrate Aspergillus flavus Link produced on average 56 mug kg-1 aflatoxin B1, 53 mug kg-1 aflatoxin G1, and 336 mug g-1 cyclopiazonic acid. Similarly, subcultured Penicillium citrinum Thom produced 620 mug g-1 citrinin, and Aspergillus tamarii Kita 13670 mug g-1 kojic acid. The need for a mycological/chemical approach to mycotoxin monitoring is strongly indicated.