Comparison of chemical residues between broiler and layer meat in selected area

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of heavy metals, antibiotic residues, and aflatoxins in broiler and layer chicken meat and edible offal marketed in Port-Said Governorate, Egypt, and evaluates their compliance with Egyptian and international food safety standards. A total of 150 samples comprising meat, liver, and kidney tissues (25 samples each from broiler and layer chickens) were collected from local markets and analyzed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), oxytetracycline, sulfonamides, and aflatoxins using HPLC. The obtained results revealed that lead residues were detected in 60%, 80%, and 64% of broiler meat, liver, and kidney samples, respectively, whereas all layer samples (100%) tested positive. Mean Pb concentrations in broilers were 0.013, 0.021, and 0.015 mg/kg in meat, liver, and kidney, respectively, compared with 0.137, 0.180, and 0.065 mg/kg in corresponding layer tissues. Cadmium residues demonstrated a clear bioaccumulation pattern (kidney > liver > meat), with the highest mean concentration detected in layer kidneys (0.732 ± 0.082 mg/kg), while the lowest value was observed in broiler meat (0.103 ± 0.001 mg/kg). Copper and Arsenic concentrations remained within permissible limits in all examined samples. Oxytetracycline residues were detected in all layer tissues (100%), with the highest mean concentration recorded in layer liver samples (236.3 ± 49.30 μg/kg), followed by layer kidney samples (218.3 ± 47.30 μg/kg). Based on Egyptian permissible limits, 60% and 40% of layer liver and kidney samples, respectively, were rejected for oxytetracycline residues, whereas all broiler samples complied with the standards. Sulfonamide residues represented a major concern because of their widespread detection and high rejection rates in layer tissues according to European Union limits. Aflatoxin contamination was predominantly observed in layer chickens, particularly liver tissues, while broiler samples demonstrated high compliance rates. In conclusion, layer chickens exhibited significantly higher contamination levels than broilers, particularly in liver and kidney tissues, indicating greater bioaccumulation potential associated with prolonged production lifespan. Continuous monitoring of poultry products, strict feed quality control, environmental contamination reduction, and prudent antibiotic use are essential to improve poultry food safety and protect consumer health in Egypt