Clinico-pathomorphological, serum biochemical and histological studies in broilers fed ochratoxin A and a toxin deactivator (Mycofix® Plus)

Abstract

1. Toxic effects of two concentrations (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) of ochratoxin A (OTA) and attenuating effects of a toxin deactivator (Mycofix Plus(MTV INSIDE)) containing the yeast Trichosporon mycotoxinivorans on the performance (feed conversion ratio; body weight gain), serum enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and aspartate aminotransferase) and clinico-pathomorphology of internal organs were studied in 270 one-day-old broiler chicks divided into 9 groups over a 42-d period. 2. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) in groups fed toxin deactivator were improved compared with groups receiving OTA only. An increase in the relative weight of kidney and liver was observed in groups fed 0.5 and 1 mg/kg OTA on day 42 of the experiment as compared with the control group. In contrast, relative weights of bursa of Fabricius and spleen were not significantly affected in experimental groups exposed to OTA as compared to control groups determined on days 28 and 42 of age. 3. Serum enzymes (LDH, GGT and AST) values in OTA treated groups determined on days 28 and 42 were higher than those of the control group. 4. Histopathological examination of kidney on day 42 revealed degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the proximal convoluted tubules and massive necrosis of the proximal tubular epithelial cells. These changes were less marked in birds receiving 0.5 mg/kg OTA than in those receiving 1 mg/kg. In general, histological changes in kidneys, liver, bursa and spleen were less pronounced in birds receiving OTA and toxin deactivator concomitantly. 5. Dietary OTA at 0.5 and 1 mg/kg adversely affects FCR, increases the serum liver enzymes and induces pronounced pathomorphological and histological changes in internal organs of broiler chicks. Co-administration of OTA with deactivator attenuated the harmful effects.

Immunological responses of male White Leghorn chicks kept on ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated feed

“…A similar effect on broiler chick immune system organ weights-due to ochratoxicosis-was reported by Dwivedi and Burns (1984), Hanif et al (2008), and Awaad et al (2011). Feeding an OTA-contaminated (0.4 and 0.8 mg/Kg diet) diet to male broiler chicks from the day after hatching to 5 weeks-of-age resulted in the significant decrease in thymus weight (Elaroussi et al, 2006).…”

Toxico-Pathological Effects of In Ovo Inoculation of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in Chick Embryos and Subsequently in Hatched Chicks

“…Unfortunately, the literature is lacking information about the effect of in ovo OTA on the body and relative organ weights of developing chicks. However, studies made on OTA-fed chicks reported an increase in the weights of liver and kidneys (Hanif et al 2008;Stoev et al 2002) and a decrease in weights of bursa of Fabricius (Singh et al 1990;Gibson et al 1989). This increase in the weights of liver and kidneys is correlated with nephro-and hepatotoxic effects of OTA, resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory cells (Zahoor-ul-Hassan et al 2010).…”

Chemical, Physical and Biological Approaches to Prevent Ochratoxin Induced Toxicoses in Humans and Animals

“…A feed additive named Mycofix® Plus contains T. mycotoxinivorans , mycotoxin adsorbents upgraded by the addition of epoxidase and lactonase activities, and is successfully used in broilers to counteract the toxic effects of OTA [236]. …”