Mitigation effect of aflatoxin on serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens

Abstract

Aflatoxin has been known to be toxic to both crops and livestock. Several methods to mitigate aflatoxin effect have been employed. Knowledge on use of organic methods in aflatoxin mitigation has not been adequately documented. Therefore, effect of aflatoxin bio-control method (Aflasafe) on serum biochemistry of broiler chickens (BC) was investigated. One-day old Marshal BC (n=1020) were allotted to four treatments: Aflasafe maize-based diet (AMBD), farm feed (FF), aflatoxin-contaminated diet with toxin binder (ACDTB) and aflatoxin-contaminated diet without toxin binder (ACDWTB). The experimental design was completely randomised with five replicates (n=255) per treatment for 8 weeks. Blood (5mL) was collected at 8th week and serum was separated and stored for further analysis. Total protein (TP) value of birds fed ACDTWB was significantly lower compared to those of AMBD and FF at the starter and finisher phases. The highest TP values were observed in birds fed AMBD at starter (3.04±0.25g/dl) and finisher (3.41±0.14g/dl) phases. Birds fed AMBD (T1) had highest albumin value (1.39±0.05g/dl).), while birds fed ACDWTB was least (1.26±0.00g/dl).Use of AMBD in poultry is recommended as it has no adverse effect on chickens.