Aflatoxin susceptibility in various breeds of poultry.

Abstract

SummaryThe comparative aflatoxin susceptibility in 18 different strains, crosses, or breeds of chickens, turkeys, and quail was evaluated under standardized conditions. One-half of the day-old chicks in each group were fed a diet containing aflatoxin equivalent in toxicity to 800 ppb pure aflatoxin B1 for periods of 2 to 6 weeks. Chicks were autopsied at weekly intervals to evaluate blood and liver biochemical and liver histological effects. One of the most sensitive biochemical responses to the degree of aflatoxin intoxication was a decrease in plasma albumin. Reduction in liver succinic dehydrogenase and nucleic acid concentration were also sensitive indicators of toxicity. Most adversely affected by aflatoxin were New Hampshire chicks and turkey poults. When New Hampshire hens were crossed with Leghorn males or vice versa, the sensitivity of the chicks to aflatoxin was no longer detectable, suggesting that the susceptibility is a genetically controlled factor. Birds possessing considerable resistance t...