Microbial flora of Anchovis spp. used in poultry and livestock feed preparation in Ghana

Abstract

Anchovis spp. is of great importance in non-industrial feed formulation in Ghana as the main protein ingredient. Many microbial diseases found in poultry/livestock in Ghana are suspected to be due to contaminants on the fish in feed. Results from this survey suggest high levels of microbial contamination on the Anchovis fish. Seventeen genera of bacteria were isolated from Anchovis spp. samples taken along the coastal towns and markets in Ghana. The genera of bacteria isolated included Coliforms, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Pasteurella, Escheriachia, Shigela, and Pseudomanas. These organisms are known to cause various diseases in man and animals, resulting in economic losses. Caution should, therefore, be taken in the use of Anchovis spp. in human food and animal feed, since it can be a source of bacterial infection.


Ghana Jnl agric Sci. Vol.32(2) 1999: 185-188