Effects Of Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diets On Growth Performance, Haematological, And Physiological Health In Broilers

Abstract

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in poultry feed significantly threatens broiler health and performance. This study investigated the effects of different levels of AFB1 (0%, 25%, 35%, 45%, and 55%) on growth performance and hematological parameters in broiler diets. The experiment was structured as a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatment groups, each having three replicates: Group A (0.025 ppm AFB1), Group B (0.035 ppm AFB1), Group C (0.045 ppm AFB1), Group D (0.055 ppm AFB1), and Group E (Control, 0% AFB1). Weekly measurements included body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth rate (GR), total feed intake (TFI), and hematological indices (HMI). Body weight was recorded weekly, feed intake was tracked daily, and FCR was calculated by dividing total feed intake by total weight gain. Blood samples were taken at weeks 5 and 10 for hematological analysis using the haemacytometer method. Broilers fed diets containing higher concentrations of AFB1 showed marked reductions in final body weight, with birds on the control diet (0% AFB1) gaining the most weight (1.69 kg), compared to 1.24 kg, 1.10 kg, 0.92 kg, and 0.76 kg for the 25%, 35%, 45%, and 55% AFB1 groups, respectively. Feed intake also significantly decreased (p<0.05) from 19.38 kg (Control) to 9.55 kg (TA) as AFB1 levels increased. Hematological analysis revealed significant decreases (p<0.01) in hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell (RBC) counts in birds fed higher AFB1 concentrations. Birds on the control diet had the highest Hb (12.48 g/dl), PCV (24.73%), and RBC counts (10.34 × 10⁶/ul), while the 55% AFB1 group showed the lowest values. No significant changes were observed in white blood cell (WBC) counts (p>0.05), indicating a less pronounced impact on the immune system. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of AFB1 on broiler growth and blood health, emphasizing the need for stringent aflatoxin control in poultry feed to ensure healthy broiler production.