COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMERS’ FEED PRODUCTION, FEEDING PRACTICES AND KNOWLEDGE ON AFLATOXINS WITHIN SOME COMMUNITIES IN GREATER ACCRA AND EASTERN REGIONS OF GHANA

Abstract

Commercial poultry serves as a source of food security, nutrition, and income for many individuals in Ghana. However, poor feed production and improper feeding practices can affect poultry egg production and products quality. This study investigated commercial poultry farmers’ feed production, feeding practices and knowledge on aflatoxins in some communities
within Greater Accra and Eastern Regions of Ghana. Qualitative research approach design and Semi-structured questionnaires were used for the study. A total of 83 commercial poultry farmers took part in the study. More than 80 % of the farmers used whole maize, wheat bran, rice bran, soya meal and fish meal as common feed ingredients. Most (90 %) of the farmers disclosed that almost all feed ingredients used were susceptible to mold infestation. Majority (76.2 %) of the poultry farmers did not analyze feeds. A high proportion (84.4 %) of the
farmers stored feed ingredients and feeds in store-rooms. Majority (72.3 %) of the farmers stored feeds for a shorter period, between 1 and 2 weeks. Among the farmers, 86 % had little to no knowledge on aflatoxins. It is recommended that researchers, regulators, various poultry farmers’ associations and Government policy makers should intensify poultry farmers’ education on good feed production, appropriate feed practices, and knowledge on aflatoxins to prevent poultry feeds and products from contamination.