The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of three different adsorbents, inorganic (modified zeolite), organic (esterified glucomannans) and mixed (inorganic and organic components, with the addition of enzymes), in protecting broilers from the toxic effects of ochratoxin A in feed. Broilers were fed diets containing 2 mg/kg of ochratoxin A (OTA) and supplemented with adsorbents at the recommended concentration of 2 g/kg for 21 days. The presence of OTA led to a notable reduction in body weight, lower weight gain, increased feed conversion and induced histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys. The presence of inorganic, organic and mixed adsorbents in contaminated feed only partially reduced the negative effects of OTA on the broiler performances. Broilers that were fed with adsorbent-supplemented feed reached higher body weight (17.96%, 19.09% and 13.59%), compared to the group that received only OTA. The presence of adsorbents partially alleviated the reduction in feed consumption (22.68%, 12.91% and 10.59%), and a similar effect was observed with feed conversion. The applied adsorbents have also reduced the intensity of histopathological changes caused by OTA; however, they were not able to prevent their onset. After the withdrawal of the toxin and adsorbents from the feed (21–42 days), all previously observed disturbances in broilers were reduced, but more remarkably in broilers fed with adsorbents.
The forty-two days long experiment was conducted on a total of 1000 Arbor Acres broilers, divided into two groups. Both groups of broilers were fed with a commercial feed mixture which consisted of standard feedstuffs and contained enough nutrients regarding the requirements. During the first three weeks of the trial, corn naturally contaminated with AFB1 0.0445 ppm per kg dry matter was used in the amount of 20% in the experimental group, while AFB1 free corn was given to birds in the control group. After the period of toxin administration until the end of the trial, broilers from both groups were normally fed another 5 weeks with uncontaminated feed.In the first phase of the trial, broilers in the control groups had an average daily gain (ADG) of 31 g, average daily feed intake (ADFI) of 45 g and a feed: gain ratio (FCR) of 1.42. In the same time, experimental broilers achieved an ADG of 25 g, ADFI of 35 g and a FCR of 1.39. During the whole period of the trial, control and experimental broilers achieved 49.12 g, 95.24 g and 1.94 and 39.71 g, 86.90 g and 2.19, respectively.For the experimental group, the end of the trial was delayed due to lower performances till weighing standard body weight. The trial lasted two weeks longer but overall performances were unsatisfying (ADG 37 g, ADFI 121 g and FCR 3.27).After the period of using contaminated feed, the liver of treated broilers was enlarged, dark yellow colored and tender in consistence. In some cases punctoforme and maculose extravasations could be seen. In all liver samples residues of AFB1 were detected in amounts of 0.63±0.12 ppb.AFB1 had negative effects on performances of broilers even in small amounts. The removal of contaminated feed could alleviate its adverse effects only to a certain extent.
Ammonia production in commercial poultry sheds poses a problem for farmers as high levels can affect animal's respiratory health, resulting in hock and foot pad lesions and thereby affecting performance. A study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of whole, chopped and dried Yucca schidigera (De-Odorase™, Alltech Inc, USA) to reduce ammonia excretion from broilers and investigate the impact on broiler performance. Nine hundred and two, one-day-old Cobb broilers were randomly assigned to one of two diets, without (control) or supplemented with 500 g/t De-Odorase™. Birds fed the treatment diet had significantly higher body weight (P < 0.05) at 42 d and improved FCR (P < 0.05). Significant reductions in ammonia from litter were reported at 37 and 42 days old (P < 0.05 and P < 0.1, respectively). No significant differences were seen in foot pad, gait score, feather score or carcass data; although the birds fed De-Odorase™ had consistent numerical improvements in these parameters. The results of this study suggest that feeding whole, chopped and dried Yucca schidigera as a functional ingredient in the diet can be part of an ammonia management programme to improve broiler welfare and zootechnical performance.
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