ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI FROM POULTRY FEEDS SOLD IN BENIN CITY

Poultry products is one of the most consumed animal products worldwide. Poultry products such as meat and eggs is a rich source of protein, fats and minerals. Poultry feed refers to the feedstuff consumed by poultry birds. This study was aimed at isolating fungi from poultry feeds sold in stores in Benin City. Three (3) forms of poultry feeds (mash, starter and finisher) were sampled in five (5) stores in Benin City. The samples were collected aseptically using in sterile polyethylene bags with sterile spatula and labeled accordingly. Serial dilution was made using water as diluent. Enumeration and isolation of fungi was carried out using potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA). The pour plate method was employed and were incubated at 28+2°C for 7 days. Temperature and relative humidity of poultry stores were recorded using ThermoPro model (TP49-W-2) thermometer and hygrometer. The total fungal count range was of 0.10x105 on potato dextrose agar froms