Molecular characterization of ochratoxin a producing indigenous Aspergillus strains from poultry feed in Pakistan

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is nephrocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive toxin and OTA producing molds contaminate the food crops. Isolation and identification of ochratoxin producing fungi was carried out from poultry feed samples (n=120) followed by preliminary confirmation through macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Purified fungal isolates identified as Aspergillus 1842(91.68%) followed by Penicillium 91 (4.53%), Mucor 52 (2.58), Alternaria 7 (0.35%), Cladosporium 6 (0.29%), Fusarium 4 (0.199%) and unidentified (07). OTA production was confirmed through thin layer chromatography (TLC) followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only 41 isolates (2.22%) out of 1842 Aspergillus isolates were able to produce toxin. At genetic level, characterization was performed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species specific gene primers. From 41 isolates 27, 9 and 5 were characterized as Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus ochraceus, respectively. Physical and chemical factors were optimized for OTA production. Under the effect of 37 °C temperature and 7.5 pH of Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) medium, higher toxin (969.45±.03 μg/mL) production was observed from ASPO-6 isolate. ASPO-4 isolate produce higher toxin amount in SDB medium with supplementation of maize 5%, wheat 1% and rice 3%. OTA stability was determined by adjusting standard concentration of 100 μg/mL in organic solvents (chloroform, acetonitrile and methanol) and organic solids. Least percentage log reduction in OTA concentration and stability of OTA was observed in opaque vials with chloroform and sucrose and transparent vials with sucrose after 6 months. OTA can be used as indigenous standard for identification of OTA from field samples

Essential Oils Based Nano Formulations against Postharvest Fungal Rots

Postharvest phytopathogenic rot fungi affect the quality and quantity of perishable fruits and vegetables. About 30–40% peaches deteriorate annually after harvest in world whereas 40–50% losses are reported from Pakistan. Our research envisages importance of an eco-friendly plant essential oils based nano formulations as a management strategy against postharvest deteriorating fungal rots by enhancing their shelf-life and to attenuate reliance on synthetic fungicides. Plant essential oils mode of action against fungal postharvest rots is responsible of rupturing plasma membrane of fungal cell wall. The natural ripening process of perishable commodities does not get affected by the presence of antifungal packaging in the form of plant essential oil nano formulations as no significant alteration in weight loss of produce was recorded. Challenges in applying EOs for microbial suppression in postharvest systems include optimizing their positioning in commercial fruit storage containers. Several innovative approaches are analyzed in terms of work environment and implementation regarding disease management along with future perspectives in concerning field

Effects of selenium supplementation on the growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and blood biochemistry of naked neck chicken

ABSTRACT: This study examined how selenium-supplemented diets affected the performance of naked neck chickens. The birds were fed both organic and inorganic selenium at 0.30 ppm, while the control diet did not include any additional selenium. A total of 225 one-day-old naked neck chicks were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, each of which was replicated 5 times (replicates) and contained 15 birds. This was done using a completely randomized design. The data was collected after growth, meat quality, and blood profile parameters were assessed. The findings showed that the birds fed inorganic selenium in the diet displayed increased (P 0.05). When compared to birds fed inorganic Se and control diet, the birds fed organic Se had greater (P 0.05). In conclusion, adding Se-enriched yeast, as an organic selenium source, to diets may enhance the poor growth and slaughter characteristics of naked neck chicks without negatively affecting blood chemistry