MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF SOME SELECTED POULTRY FEEDS IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE AND THEIR PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE

Achi, Godspower Ikechi*, Prof (Mrs) G. N. Wokem* and Dr. E. G. Nwokah*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Poultry production in general plays a significant role as a major source of animal protein in both developed and developing nations of the world. The quality of poultry feed is of public health importance because it affects the quality of poultry and the wholesomeness of the poultry meat and eggs consumed by human. Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the microbiological quality of some selected poultry feeds in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers Sate and their public health Importance. Methodology: Poultry feeds sample were randomly selected, aseptically collected and analyses using microbiological techniques to ascertain the total Heterotrophic bacterial count and fungal count. The obtained isolates were further characterized using polymerase chain reaction. Result: A total bacteria genera were identified ranging from highest to the least, Micrococcus sp incidence of 31.0% followed by Actinomycetes 17.2%, Staphylococcus sp and Alcaligens 13.8% Corynebacterum 10% and Acinetobacter 6.9%. Actrobacter and Lactobacillus 3.4%. The fungi isolates are Aspergillus 44.4%, Fusarium 22.4% and Rhizopus 33%. The PCR result shows Isolate 1 as Proteus sp. isolate 2 Proteus mirabilis, isolate 3 E. coli, isolate 4 Enterobacter cloacca, isolate 5 Klebsiella quansipneumoniae, isolate 6Bacillus flexus, isolate 7 Myrodies. Isolate 8 Pseudomonas xiamenenalla and isolate 9 Acinebacter species. The fungi isolates are Aspergillus torcosus, Pichia kudriavzeril strain subtsrate and Leptosharerulira austrians. Conclusion; The results shows the presence of these microorganisms in the poultry feeds which indicates a major source of cross contamination to human and animal and as such a public health threat. Hence there is need to emphasised on proper and improved storage of feeds within the poultry farms.

Keywords: Poultry feeds: Microorganism: Public health importance.