Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Poultry Feeds and Potential Health Risk Assessment

This study assessed the potential health hazards linked to the selected heavy metals (Pb, As, Cr, Mn, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni) in poultry feed. Samples from various batches of the same brand of commercial feed and grains (soybean and corn) were collected from Kara Market in Sokoto. These feeds were used to feed groups of birds—three birds each for the starter and grower feeds, and two birds for the locally prepared feed—over a period of forty days. The feed samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), with blank analyses conducted for reliability. The research assessed human exposure to heavy metals via three primary routes: oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation. Children were identified as the most susceptible group, with higher exposure risks compared to adults due to greater intake per body weight, increased hand-to-mouth activity, and underdeveloped detoxification systems. Starter and grower feeds showed elevated risk values, suggesting contamination from feed formulation, while local feed had the highest Total Lifetime Cancer Risk (TLCR) for Cr and Ni, indicating potential unregulated or environmental sources. Health risk assessment values were below 1, indicating no significant current risk, but continuous monitoring of poultry feed is recommended to prevent future overexposure.