Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewedConventional

A Systematic Review of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination in Livestock Feed and Detection Methods in Ethiopia.

Zeweld SW, Tarekegn EK, Welearegay MA.

Vet Med Sci · 2025

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Summary

This systematic review synthesises evidence on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in Ethiopian livestock feed, with particular focus on cereal grains such as maize and groundnuts under local farming and storage conditions. The review of 14 cross-sectional studies reveals substantial heterogeneity in reported contamination levels (2.4–100%) and identifies significant methodological variation in detection approaches as a key driver of inconsistency. The authors conclude that standardised detection methods and regulatory alignment with international standards are essential to support robust monitoring and intervention in Ethiopian livestock systems.

Regional applicability

Direct applicability to UK livestock systems is limited, as the review addresses contamination patterns specific to Ethiopian farming and storage conditions. However, the findings on detection method standardisation may inform UK feed safety protocols and could be relevant if Ethiopian feed ingredients are imported for UK livestock use.

Key measures

Aflatoxin B1 contamination prevalence (percentage range); regional variation in contamination levels; comparison of detection methods; quality assessment using CRD and Cochrane guidelines; ANCOVA analysis of methodological differences

Outcomes reported

The systematic review examined AFB1 contamination prevalence across Ethiopian livestock feed sources, particularly maize and groundnuts, and evaluated detection methodologies. Contamination levels were found to vary widely (2.4–100%) across regions, with significant differences observed between detection methods.

Theme
Measurement & metrics
Subject
Pesticides, contaminants & food safety
Study type
Systematic Review
Study design
Systematic review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Ethiopia
System type
Intensive livestock
DOI
10.1002/vms3.70405
Catalogue ID
MGmob9n7yh-uhdvkj

Topic tags

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