Influence of Ochratoxin A and Vanadium on Various Parameters in Growing Chicks

Abstract

The effects of ochratoxin A (OA) and vanadium (V) singly and in combinations, at levels that could be encountered under field conditions, were determined in male Leghorn chicks. The chicks were fed a control diet containing the following additives: 1) none; 2) 12.5 mgV/kg; 3) 25.0 mg V/kg; 4) 2.5 mg OA/kg; 5) 2.5 mg OA plus 12.5 mg V/kg; and 6) 2.5 mg OA plus 25.0 mg V/kg. These data show that V, singly at levels of 12.5 or 25.0 mg/kg of diet, did not adversely affect body weight gain at 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks of age. Body weight gains of the chicks receiving the diets containing OA singly were significantly lower than the controls except during the 1- to 7-day period. Body weight gains of chicks receiving the OA in combination with either level of V were significantly lower than any of the other groups during the 1- to 7- and 22- to 28-day periods. The quantity of feed required per unit of gain was increased slightly by the addition of OA at 2.5 mg/kg and the addition of V at 12.5 or 25.0 mg/kg and, to a greater extent, by the OA-V combinations. The relative liver and kidney weights were higher in the groups receiving OA singly or in combination with V. When compared to the controls, relative gizzard weights were significantly higher in the two combination groups; whereas the relative proventriculus weights were significantly higher only in the group receiving the 2.5 mg OA plus 25. 0 mg V/kg combination. No differences were observed in the relative weights of the spleen or the bursa. When compared to the controls, OA, singly or in combination with V at 12.5 or 25 mg V/kg, caused an increase in serum uric acid and alkaline phosphatase levels and a decrease in cholesterol and albumin levels; whereas creatinine levels were increased and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and creatine kinase n-acetyl-l-cystine levels were decreased by the combinations only. There were parameters such as some hematology values, not altered by either ochratoxin A or vanadium singly, that were significantly changed by the combination.