Cross‐Sectional Survey of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Poultry Feeds and Feed Ingredients From Bogor and Bekasi Regencies, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent metabolite produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, poses risks to poultry production and public health. This study assessed AFB1 contamination in poultry feeds and feed ingredients collected from Bogor and Bekasi Regencies, West Java, Indonesia. The feeds were categorized across growth phases, feed forms, and sampling points. A total of 86 feed samples (37 layer feeds from Bogor Regency and 49 broiler feeds from Bekasi Regency) and 63 feed ingredients (50 corn and 13 rice bran) were analyzed using an in‐house direct competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (dc‐ELISA). The method demonstrated high specificity (AFB1: 100%, cross‐reactivity with other aflatoxins: < 4%), strong linearity (R 2 = 0.9951 for standards; 0.9615 for spiked samples), satisfactory sensitivity (LOD: 0.45 μg/kg and LOQ: 0.77 μg/kg), and good accuracy and precision (recovery: 91.90 ± 0.81%, repeatability RSD: 1.13%). Moisture content was 11.74% in layer feeds and 9.13% in broiler feeds. AFB1 levels ranged from 0.78 to 15.45 μg/kg (median 7.00 μg/kg; IQR 4.13–9.78) in broiler feeds and 1.00–11.78 μg/kg (median 3.25 μg/kg; IQR 2.17–4.56) in layer feeds, with most values below 10 μg/kg. AFB1 contamination was nearly universal in poultry feeds (96.51%). In feed ingredients, AFB1 was detected in 78.00% of corn and 76.92% of rice bran samples, with prevalence ranging from 50.00% to 100.00% between years and commodities. The median AFB1 concentration in corn increased markedly to 126.09 μg/kg in 2024 compared to 2023. No statistically significant differences were observed across growth phases, feed forms, or sampling points [p > 0.05]. These findings highlight the importance of routine monitoring and targeted control of feed ingredients to sustain feed safety and protect public health in tropical regions.