INVESTIGATION OF INDIGENOUS CHICKEN PRODUCTION AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF EGGS AND MEAT IN WESTERN KENYA

Abstract

Poultry plays an important economical role of developing nations and reports show that demand of poultry meat is on increase. Native chicken are valued in Kenya because they provide food and income, for domestic use, to rural households especially in Western Kenya. However, their production is low compared to exotic chicken; this could be due to ingestion of aflatoxins known to affect chicken productivity. The study investigated feed types, feeding regime and presence of aflatoxins in chicken products in Siaya, Busia and Kakamega Counties. A multi stage sampling was used and purposive selection entirely done based on indigenous chicken production among women and youth groups. In each of the 3 Counties, 3 sub Counties were selected; in each sub County, two Wards were identified and two locations were picked in each of them. Four farmer groups (two youth and two women groups) were identified in each of the picked locations and five group members each completed a questionnaire. A total of 180 farmers were interviewed, 260 feed samples, 60 egg samples and 240 tissue samples were obtained from sixty chicken slaughtered and from these chicken (30 young; 12-16 weeks old and 30 adults; >36 weeks old), Liver (n=60), kidney (n=60), breast (n=60) and thigh muscle (n=60). Nutrient composition of common chicken feeds was analyzed for percent crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), and ash (ASH) using proximate method. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect presence of aflatoxins in products of indigenous chicken. Survey data was analyzed using SPSS Software version 25 while GENSTAT 14th Edition was used to analyze tissues, eggs and feed data. Farmer’s age and education level determined type of production system practiced. Free range system was still popular than semi free range and intensive systems. Common feedstuffs were; maize, sorghum, cassava, groundnuts and commercial feeds. Cassava had the lowest crude protein at 2.4%, groundnuts had the highest crude protein at 20% as compared to other feedstuffs while Sorghum had higher CP at 10% than maize at 8%. Tissues had higher mean aflatoxin level (liver 4.19ppb, Breast muscle 3.57ppb, thigh muscle 2.66ppb and kidney 2.02ppb) but eggs had traces (0.081ppb). Chicken tissues had total aflatoxins, eggs had traces. This study informs on production systems, nutrient composition of indigenous chicken feeds and levels of aflatoxin in chicken products. Therefore the study recommends that strategies on minimizing future contamination and improving on production be put in place.