Experimental Aflatoxicosis Research Articles

A novel aflatoxin-bindingBacillus probiotic: Performance, serum biochemistry, and immunological parameters in Japanese quail

Two experiments were performed to screen bacilli isolated from quails for their aflatoxin removal potential and to assess the efficiency of their amelioration of experimental aflatoxicosis. Nonhemolytic bacilli were selected for in vitro aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) removal and conventional probiotic tests. The isolate with the highest scores was selected for assessment in field experiments and was identified as Berevibacillus laterosporus (Bl). In the second experiment, 125 male Japanese quails (21 d old) were divided into 5 groups with 5 replications to compare the toxin removal efficiency of Bl with that of a commercial toxin binder, improved Millbond-TX (IMTX). The experimental groups were as follows: Control (without any feed additive or AFB1); AFB1 (2.5 mg/kg); AFB1+Bl (2.5 mg/kg+10(8) cfu/mL); AFB1+IMTX (2.5 mg/kg+2.5 g/kg); and Bl (10(8) cfu/mL). The greatest BW gain and slaughter and carcass weights were found in the Bl group and the lowest values were observed in the AFB1 group (P<0.05). Feeding AFB1 alone to the chicks resulted in a significant decrease in serum albumin, total protein, and glucose and cholesterol levels but a significant increase in serum uric acid, urea, creatinin and phosphorus (P<0.05). Treatment of birds on AFB1 with Bl restored these to their original levels (P<0.05). AFB1+Bl-fed birds had serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity similar to control birds (P<0.05). Antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus was found to be lowest in the AFB1 group but highest in the Bl group (P<0.05). Antibody production against sheep red blood cells was lower in the AFB1 group compared with the AFB1+Bl group (P<0.05). Berevibacillus laterosporus supplementation of the AFB1 diet restored the skin response to 2,4-dinitro 1-chlorobenzene to levels comparable with control birds (P<0.05). It can be concluded that selected indigenous Bl is a promising probiotic with AFB1 removal potential.

Effect of nanosilver on blood parameters in chickens having aflatoxicosis

This experiment is designed to investigate the positive effects of commercial nanosilver compound on blood parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. For this, 270 one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly divided into six treatment groups with three replicates. The experimental groups were group A: chickens fed with basal diet; group B: chickens fed with 3ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet; groups of C, D, E and F received Mycoad (2.5 g/kg diet), Mycoad (2.5 g/kg diet) + productive aflatoxin (3 ppm), Nanocid (2500 ppm), and Nanocid (2500 ppm) + productive aflatoxin (3 ppm) in basal diet, respectively. Results revealed that some of the blood parameters such as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and eosinophils percentage were not affected in this experiment; whereas, hemoglobin percentage and white blood cell (WBC) count in all the groups fed with 3ppm aflatoxin except nanocid+aflatoxin decreased significantly (p<0.05). There are no significant differences between the groups that received nanocid+aflatoxin and mycoad+aflatoxin in hemoglobin percentage and WBC count parameters. The red blood cell count and hematocrit in chickens received aflatoxin were significantly lower than other groups (p<0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that nanocid similar as mycoad can be useful in reducing the adverse effects of aflatoxin on blood parameters in chickens affected with aflatoxicosis.

Nanosilver effects on growth parameters in experimental aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens

Aflatoxicosis is a cause of economic losses in broiler production. In this study, the effect of one commercial nanocompound, Nanocid (Nano Nasb Pars Co., Iran) was evaluated in reduction of aflatoxin effects on the growth and performance indices in broiler chickens suffering from experimental aflatoxicosis. For this, a total of 300 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross strain) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates of 15 chicks in each separated pen during the 28-day experiment. Treatment groups including group A: chickens fed basal diet, group B: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin in basal diet, group C: chickens fed basal diet plus 2500 ppm Nanocid, and group D: chickens fed 3 ppm productive aflatoxin and 2500 ppm Nanocid, in basal diet. Data on body weight, body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at weekly intervals. Also cumulative data were assessed. Results showed, although supplement of Nanocid to conventional diet had no effect on performance but addition of Nanocid to diet containing 3 ppm aflatoxin increased significantly the cumulative BWG, cumulative feed consumption and decreased FCR in the last 2 weeks of experimental period. The improvement in these performance indices by supplement of Nanocid to diet containing aflatoxin showed the ability of Nanocid to diminish the inhibitory effects of aflatoxin.

The effects of experimental aflatoxicosis on the pancreas of adult male albino rats and the role of ginger supplementation

Introduction Aflatoxin contamination of foods is a worldwide problem, especially in developing countries. Ginger has antioxidant properties. Aim of the study To study the histological and biochemical changes in the pancreas of rats with experimental aflatoxicosis, and to evaluate the role of ginger supplementation. Materials and methods Forty-five adult male albino rats were equally divided into three groups. Group I that served as the control group. Group II that received 250 μg/kg body weight/day of aflatoxin B1 dissolved in olive oil using a gastric tube for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group III that received both aflatoxin as in group II and 400 mg/kg body weight/day of ginger orally for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were anesthetized, and their pancreases were extirpated and divided into two parts to be processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Morphometrical analysis for area percentage of collagen fibers and biochemical analysis for glucose, insulin, and serum amylase were performed and statistically analyzed. Results Examination of group II revealed thick interlobular septa that contained congested blood vessels, cellular infiltration, mast, and fat cells. Pancreatic acinar cells showed decreased secretory granules, vacuolization, and dilated fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum. Few acinar cells showed rarified areas of cytoplasm. Some acinar cells had small condensed heterochromatic nuclei. Most of the islets of Langerhans were formed of cells separated by dilated congested capillaries. Most of the nuclei of β cells were euchromatic, whereas some were small heterochromatic. The cytoplasm of β cells had a variety of secretory granules. Most of them had an electron-dense core and an electron-lucent halo, whereas others had homogenous moderate density. Some granules coalesced. A few cells had cytoplasmic areas depleted of granules. Pancreatic ducts were dilated. Examination of group III revealed that pancreatic lobules were separated by thin interlobular septa. Acini had numerous apical acidophilic secretory granules, a few vacuoles, and basal euchromatic nuclei. Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans had euchromatic nuclei and numerous secretory granules with an electron-dense core and a wide electron-lucent halo. Biochemical analysis of glucose and serum amylase showed a highly significant increase, whereas that of insulin showed a highly significant decrease, in group II in comparison with group I. The glucose and serum amylase levels were significantly decreased, whereas the insulin level was significantly increased in group III compared with group II. Conclusion Aflatoxin had a deleterious effect on the histological structure of the rats' pancreas, and ginger minimized these effects.

Efficacy of esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite and humic acid to counteract experimental aflatoxicosis on antibody titers against Newcastle disease in broilers

Influence of ten different genotypes, age of trees and environmental temperature on induction of androgenesis and apperance albino horse chestnut embryos were studied. Efficiency of in vitro androgenesis via anther and microspore culture had been investigated. Microspores and anthers were used from the same closed flower bud. Androgenic response of different genotypes was measured and compared. Anther induction rates were from 5 to 37.6%, depending on genotype. The number of embryos per isolated anther varied between 0.5 to 5.0 embryos in anther culture, while in microspore culture varied between 3.0 to 27 embryos, depending on genotype. A microspore culture was 5 - 6 times efficient than anther culture for same genotype. Age of the trees had no influence on androgenesis induction. Temperature of about 4 - 5°C was optimal for androgenic embryo induction. Albino horse chestnut embryos phenomenon depended on genotype. The number of albino appearing in anther was higher than in microspore culture. The same correlation of appearing albino was observed between short and long day. Flow cytogenetic analysis of androgenic embryos originating from anther and microspore culture was done after a first generation of regenerants. All androgenic embryos, the first generation from microspore culture were haploid, while 50% of the regenerants originating from anther culture were haploid, and the other half diploid.

Efficacy of esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite and humic acid to counteract experimental aflatoxicosis on antibody titers against Newcastle disease in broilers

A study was conducted on the impact of aflatoxin (AF) and sodium bentonite, esterified glucomannan and humic acid, on immunization against Newcastle disease (ND) in broiler feed with naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin. Seven-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to nine dietary treatments in four replicates of 12 chicks. Treatments were 1) Control; 2) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin; 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) naturally contaminated diet with aflatoxin supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0% humic acid, respectively; 8 and 9) naturally contaminated diet supplemented with 0.5% sodium bentonite and 0.1% esterified glucomannan, respectively. The measured aflatoxin in contaminated diet, confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), was 254 ppb. Blood sample was taken from each bird and the titers of antibody against ND were measured by haemagglutination-inhibition test. Compared to the control diet, the antibody titers against ND was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in 254 ppb aflatoxin fed chicks from 28 to 35 days of age. The addition of esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite and humic acid to the AF-containing diet ameliorated the adverse effects of aflatoxin on ND antibody titers, but humic acid proved to be more effective in the amelioration of the adverse effect of AF on humeral immunity against ND. Key words: Esterified glucomannan, sodium bentonite, humic acid, aflatoxicosis, Newcastle disease.

Response of Broiler Chickens to Different Levels of Nanozeolite During Experimental Aflatoxicosis

Response of Broiler Chickens to Different Levels of Nanozeolite During Experimental Aflatoxicosis

Effect of diatomaceous earth on the performance and blood variables of broiler chicks during experimental aflatoxicosis

AbstractBACKGROUND: Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a type of tectosilicate found in large quantities in Iran. It is possible that this compound can absorb mycotoxins. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of DE on experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. In four treatments of four replicates, 160 one‐day‐old Hubbard male chicks were subjected to two levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (0 and 1.0 mg kg−1) and DE (0 and 30 mg kg−1)RESULTS: Body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and productive efficiency index were adversely affected in the chicks treated with AFB1. Weight of heart was significantly decreased (20.3%) by AFB1 (P &lt; 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, and the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were decreased by AFB1. DE significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased body weight gain (9.51%), feed intake (7.44%), and improved feed conversion ratio (2.08%) as well as productive efficiency index (5.48%) in the birds that subjected to AFB1 DE also increased serum albumin (22.6%), and the activity of serum LDH (44.4%).CONCLUSION: DE might be beneficial in reducing toxic effects of AFB1 in broilers. It is possible to include DE as an alternative to other mycotoxin binders at levels of 30 mg kg−1 in the diets on offer to broilers between the ages of 1 and 42 days. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

The effects of experimental aflatoxicosis on the exocrine pancreas in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of aflatoxin (AF) on the exocrine pancreas in quails by means of light and electron microscopy. A total of 30 quails were divided into three groups, each composed of ten animals. Total AF was incorporated into the diet of these groups, at doses of 0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg of AF/kg feed, ppm, respectively. The quails were raised in cages with electrical heating and 24-h lighting for a period of 3 weeks. Ad libitum access was provided to feed and drinking water. Pancreas samples were taken for light and electron microscopic examination from animals that were killed by means of cervical dislocation at the end of the study. Light microscopic examination demonstrated mild mononuclear cell infiltration of exocrine tissue and vacuolisation of acinar cells in the group fed on AF at 2.5 ppm. On the other hand, electron microscopic examination demonstrated degranulation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) of acinar cells, decrease in the number of zymogen granules and free ribosomes and polisomes, and dilatation of capillaries in the group fed on AF at a dose of 2.5 ppm. Numerous degenerative acinar cells were determined in the group fed a diet containing 5.0 ppm AF, in addition to the findings common with the other group exposed to the toxin.

Sequential pathology of experimental aflatoxicosis in quail and the effect of selenium supplementation in modifying the disease process.

Feeding of aflatoxin B1 @ 1 ppm to 2-week old Japanese quail for a period of 8 weeks produced gross and microscopic changes in the liver, skeletal muscles, heart and bursa of Fabricius. These included fatty changes, bile duct hyperplasia and lymphoid aggregation in liver; haemorrhages in thigh, breast muscles and myocardium; mild depletion of lymphocytes, cystic degeneration and fibrous tissue proliferation in bursa of Fabricius. More or less similar lesions were seen in quail chicks fed on aflatoxin with sodium selenite @ 5 ppm but these were of lesser intensity and appeared at later stages of the experiment thereby indicating that supplementation of selenium had some protective action against the toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 in Japanese quail.

Effect of clinoptilolite on performance of broiler chickens during experimental aflatoxicosis

1. The amelioration of aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens was examined by feeding 2 concentrations of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). Clinoptilolite (CLI), incorporated into the diet at 15 and 25 g/kg, was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2·5 mg total aflatoxin (AF; 76·40% AFB1, 16·12% AFB2, 6·01% AFG1 and 1·47% AFG in diet on growing broiler chicks from 1 to 21 d of age. A total of 360 broiler chicks were divided into 6 treatment groups (6 replicates of 10 broilers each): control, AF, CLI (15 g/kg), AF plus CLI (15 g/kg), CLI (25 g/kg), and AF plus CLI (25 g/kg). 2. Compared to controls, the AF treatment had significantly decreased body weight gain from week 1 onwards. The adverse effect of AF on food consumption (8·0%) and food conversion ratio (8·3%) was also shown over the entire 21-d feeding period. 3. The addition of CLI (15 g/kg) to an AF-containing diet significantly reduced the deleterious effects of AF on food consumption and body weight gain. Food conversion ratio was also slightly improved by adding CLI (15 g/kg) to AF-containing diets. Food consumption, body weight gain and food conversion ratio values were rendered numerically intermediate between AF and control groups by the addition of CLI (25 g/kg) to the AF-containing diet. 4. The addition of CLI (both 15 and 25 g/kg) to the AF-free diet did not produce any significant changes compared with the controls, except for decreased total food consumption in the CLI (25 g/kg)-alone group. 5. These results suggest that CLI (15 g/kg) addition effectively diminished the detrimental effects of AF on the values investigated. Also, the lower dietary concentration of CLI (15 g/kg) was more effective than the greater concentration against the adverse effects of AF on the variables investigated in this study.

Effect of clinoptilolite on performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during experimental aflatoxicosis

1. Clinoptilolite (CLI, a natural zeolite), incorporated into the diet at 50 g/kg, was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2 0 mg total aflatoxin (AF;83 06% AFB 1 , 12 98% AFB 2 , 2 84% AFG 1 and 1 12% AFG 2 )/kg diet on growing Japanese quail chicks from 10 to 45 d of age. A total of 40 Japanese quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups (control, AF, CLI, AF plus CLI) each consisting of 10 chicks. The performance of the birds was evaluated. 2. The AF treatment significantly decreased food consumption and body weight gain from the 3rd week onwards. The adverse effect of AF on food conversion ratio was also significant from week 4 of the experiment. 3. The addition of CLI to an AF-containing diet significantly reduced the deleterious effects of AF on food consumption, body weight gain and food conversion ratio. Food consumption was reduced by 14% in quail chicks consuming the AF diet without CLI, but by only 6% for quail chicks consuming the AF plus CLI diet. Similarly, overall body weight gain was reduced by 27% in birds consuming the AF diet without CLI, but by only 8% for birds consuming the AF plus CLI diet. 4. The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet significantly decreased food consumption and body weight gain during week 4, but these parameters were similar to the controls in week 5. No mortality was observed in any of the groups. 5. These results suggest that CLI effectively diminished the detrimental effects of AF on the variables investigated in this study.

Densidade urinária, dosagens séricas de uréia, creatinina e proteína total na aflatoxicose experimental em cães (Canis familiaris)

As aflatoxinas, embora principalmente hepatotóxicas, já foram descritas como nefrotóxicas em várias espécies animais. Neste trabalho, a patologia clínica veterinária foi utilizada para avaliar as alterações renais na aflatoxicose experimental em cães. Utilizaram-se quatro grupos de 5 cães, com colheitas diárias de sangue e urina, durante 12 dias consecutivos; nos quais realizaram-se dosagens séricas de uréia, creatinina e proteína total, e urinálise. O experimento foi dividido em três períodos, sendo o período 0 (dias l a 3) referente a colheita de dados para controle, período 1 (dias 4 a 8) considerando o tempo de administração da toxina e período 2 (dias 9 a 12) ao tempo após a intoxicação. As doses de aflatoxina usada foram de 100, 200, 400, e 600mg/kg/dia, respectivamente para os grupos I, II, III, IV, por via oral, misturada ao alimento, pelo período de cinco dias. As taxas de uréia e creatinina variaram dentro do intervalo normal dos valores de referência da literatura consultada. A proteína total e a densidade urinária estiveram próximas ou acima dos valores máximos de referência devido a hemoconcentração. A análise estatística evidenciou uma diminuição progressiva nos valores de uréia, creatinina e densidade urinária, com relação ao aumento da dose usada em cada grupo. Este fato foi atribuído à maior ingestão de água. Através dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que as doses aplicadas não foram suficientes para detectar lesão renal.

Changes in the prothrombin time, haematology and serum proteins during experimental aflatoxicosis in hens and broiler chickens

Two groups of 32 laying hens and two groups of 32, 23-day-old broiler chickens were given 2·5 and 5 mg kg −1 of aflatoxin in their diet for four, eight, 16 and 32 days; 16 hens and 32 broiler chicks served as control groups. In the laying hens, aflatoxicosis was characterised mainly by an increase in prothrombin time, and decreases in total plasma proteins and albumin levels; there were increases in red blood cell (RBC) counts and haematocrit which were greater in the group fed 5 mg kg −1. There was a decrease in x-globulins and an increase in y-globulins. In the broiler chickens, there was only a slight increase in prothrombin time and a decrease in RBC counts. This data proves the good sensitivity and utility of prothrombin time values as an indicator of aflatoxicosis in birds..

Immunosuppression in broilers under experimental aflatoxicosis

The effects of purified aflatoxin B 1 on cell mediated immunity in broilers were carried out using 0·3 p.p.m. and 1 p.p.m. dose level. The percentage of acid α-naphthyl acetate esterase reacting lymphocytes was significantly ( P < 0·05) decreased in chicks fed 0·3 p.p.m. and 1 p.p.m. level of aflatoxin B 1. The albumin and globulin values were also significantly decreased ( P < 0·05) at both dose levels.

Influence of dietary aflatoxin on certain serum enzyme levels in broiler chickens

Experimental aflatoxicosis was produced in 'Cobb' broiler chickens by feeding them with dietary aflatoxin at concentrations of 1 and 3 ppm for a period of four weeks from 0 to 28 days. Twelve birds in triplicate were used for each treatment of which three from each replicate were sacrificed at weekly intervals for enzymatic estimations of SGPT, SGOT, Serum amylase and serum lipase. Thus each treatment contained nine weekly observations and 36 observations in total. The SGPT activity was not found in appreciable amounts either in control or in toxin treated birds. However, the SGOT levels were in measurable amounts and elevated levels were observed in toxin treated birds from first week onwards at both levels of toxin and was dose related. The treatment means of SGOT differed significantly (P less than 0.05). The serum lipase levels increased from first week onwards and the treatment means showed significant difference (P less than 0.01). Serum lipase changes in toxin treated birds occurred to about the same extent. But the serum amylase levels decreased from first week onwards and their treatment means differed significantly (P less than 0.01) at both levels of toxin treated birds. Serum amylase concentrations decreased as the aflatoxin level increased in the diet.

Induced aflatoxicosis in rabbits: Blood coagulation defects

The effect of acute and subchronic experimental aflatoxicosis on blood clotting activity and platelets was evaluated. Male New Zealand White rabbits (weighing 2.4–3.2 kg each) were used. In Experiment 1, 19 rabbits were given orally 0.05 mg of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1)/kg of body weight daily from Day 0 through Day 23. Blood samples were collected before dosing and on Days 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23 of the experimental period. In Experiment 2, 40 rabbits were given a single dose of 0.4 mg of AFB 1/kg of body weight. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hr after dosing. When compared to baseline and control animal values, one-stage prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times of aflatoxin-dosed rabbits were lengthened, and there was a statistically significant decrease in fibrinogen, Factor IX, VIII, and V activities. Platelet counts were significantly increased in subacutely exposed rabbits, and platelet size was decreased in single high-dose treated groups. Factor deficiencies were attributed to a combination of decreased factor synthesis from hepatic insufficiency and consumptive coagulopathy or primary fibrinolysis.

Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Young Japanese Quail ,

Japanese quail from the university colony fed graded levels of dietary aflatoxin (0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μg/g) from hatching to 4 weeks of age were comparatively resistant to aflatoxin as growth inhibition occurred at a dose of 5.0 μg/g or more as about 50% mortality occurred at a dose of 20 μg/g. The acute oral LD50 was 19.5 ± 4.8 mg/kg. These values are up to ten times those reported in the literature for other quail. The most sensitive indicators of aflatoxicosis were depressed serum proteins and serum carotenoids and enlarged liver and pancreas, all of which occurred at 1.25 μg/g, the smallest dose administered. Unlike chickens, the serum lipids, liver lipids, hemoglobin, serum uric acid, and spleen size of quail were not affected significantly (P<.05). The sizes of the proventriculus and gizzard were increased by doses of 5.0 μg/g or higher, whereas the bursa of Fabricius was regressed by the same dose.

Spontaneous and experimental aflatoxicosis in goats

Naturally occurring aflatoxicosis is described in goats fed a concentrate mixture containing polkudu meal (defatted residue from grated coconut after juice extraction). Toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus were present in the concentrate and aflatoxins were recovered from the liver and urine of affected animals. Hepatic lesions in poisoned goats consisted of bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis; renal lesions included necrosis of tubular epithelial cells and proteinaceous exudation in the glomerular space. Similar lesions were produced experimentally in goats with aflatoxin and the coconut cultures of A flavus. High doses of aflatoxin B1 produced, in addition, hepatic centrilobular congestion, haemorrhage and periportal fatty change.