Analysis of Mycotoxins in Feeds – A Short Discussion

Suhaimi, D., Wan Syahidah, H., Lily Suhaida, M.S. and Terjuddin, G.

Studies on a wide variety of agricultural products indicate that, especially for small sample sizes, the sampling step is usually the largest source of variability associated with the mycotoxins’ test procedure. In research, quality assurance, and regulatory activities, correct decisions concerning the fate of commercial lots can only be made if the mycotoxins concentration in the lot can be determined with a high degree of accuracy and precision. According to the mycotoxin data base (2005-2009) of Veterinary Public Health Laboratory, DVS showed that there was a significant increase (51 %) of aflatoxin detections in feed samples for the year 2008. This increase has led the laboratory to investigate further the quality assurance aspect of its analysis. All other relevant factors involved should be well addressed equally. On the other hand, storage conditions, sampling and packaging of feeds should be properly followed for the purpose of analysis. They could give rise to a biased interpretation of the mycotoxins’ occurrence and incorrect decision made by traders on some important commodities. The sampling, sample preparation, and analytical steps of the mycotoxin test procedure contribute to the variability of mycotoxin test results. It is generally suggested that to achieve a more precise estimate of the true lot concentration is to reduce the total variability of the test procedure i.e by reducing the variability associated with each step involved.