Detection of Heavy Metals and Antibiotic Residues in Poultry Feeds in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Presence of heavy metals and antibiotics in the poultry feed even in low concentrations is considered as potentially toxic and may cause hazardous effects on animal leading to accumulate in food chain. This study was performed to assess the status of heavy metals and antibiotics residue in different poultry feed samples collected from local markets of Mymensingh and Kishoreganj sadar upazila of Bangladesh. A total of 40 poultry feed samples were analyzed to detect the concentration of three heavy metals- chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and antibiotic residues using thin layer chromatography. A survey was also conducted among 30 feed sellers in the study areas whose knowledge regarding presence of heavy metals and antibiotics residues in poultry feed was evaluated. Survey data showed that about 80% feed sellers were literate whereas 20% were illiterate. Around 23% feed sellers had knowledge about the presence of heavy metals and 90% had about antibiotic residues in poultry feeds and its detrimental public health effects. The average Cr, Cd and Pb contents in poultry feed collected from Mymensingh sadar upazila were 0.402, 1.630 and 18.314 mgkg-1, respectively. The average content of Cr and Cd in feed collected from Kishoreganj sadar upazila were 7.884 and 0.006 mgkg-1, respectively, whereas Pb content was below the detection level in this area. The results from this study showed that Cd and Pb in Mymensingh sadar upazila, Cr in Kishoreganj sadar upazila, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and oxytetracycline in both upazilas were present at alarming levels in most of the feed samples which could be harmful for poultry as well as human health. Therefore, it is suggested to take proper steps for monitoring and regular detection of heavy metals and antibiotic residues in poultry feeds with sources identification as we as community-based awareness among the stakeholder.