Effect of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and their combination on protein and energy utilisation in white leghorn laying hens

Abstract

The effect of dietary aflatoxin B 1 (AF) at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg −1 , ochratoxin A (OA) at levels of 1, 2 and 4 mg kg −1 and their corresponding combinations on protein and energy utilisation as well as energy partitioning was studied in white leghorn laying hens. Protein retention was adversely affected at all levels of AF and OA either singly or in combination, though the effect was more evident with OA and AF + OA. Minimum protein retention was recorded in hens fed the combination of toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg −1 AF + 4 mg kg −1 OA). Aflatoxin at 1 and 2 mg kg −1 and OA and AF + OA at all levels caused a significant reduction in metabolisable energy (ME) value of the diets. The minimum ME value was recorded for the diet containing both toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg −1 AF + 4 mg kg −1 OA). A significant depression in egg energy deposition was observed with dietary inclusion of 1 and 2 mg kg −1 AF, 2 and 4 mg kg −1 OA and all levels of AF + OA in period I. In period II the reduction in egg energy deposition was significant at all levels of toxins either singly or in combination. Body energy deposition was adversely affected in hens fed the highest levels of AF (2 mg kg −1 ) and OA (4 mg kg −1 ) and all levels of AF + OA in period I. However, in period II a significant decrease in body energy deposition was observed at all levels of toxins except 1 mg kg −1 OA. A significant increase in maintenance energy (ME m /W 0.75 day −1 ) requirement was recorded in hens fed 2 mg kg −1 AF, 4 mg kg −1 OA and all levels of AF + OA. It is suggested that AF and OA either singly or in combination affect not only protein and energy utilisation in laying hens but also energy partitioning i.e. egg and body energy deposition and maintenance energy requirement. However, the combination of toxins (AF +OA) has more severe adverse effects on all parameters than the individual toxins because of their synergistic toxicity effect.

Toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 and the role of recovery on the rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus

“…Second, aflatoxins significantly inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain and spinal cord which may result in nerve cell degeneration (Cometa et al, 2005). Finally, Aflatoxin administration produces widespread oxidative stress and reduces enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant in the cells with subsequent increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage across the brain (Gesing and Karbownik-Lewinska, 2008;Verma et al, 2007). All these mechanisms disturb cell vital activities and lead to water and ionic shifts which finally cause cell damage and death (Gorun et al, 1978).…”

Aflatoxicosis: Lessons from Toxicity and Responses to Aflatoxin B1 in Poultry

“…Direct investigations of AFB1-effects on absorption or retention of individual nutrients have had variable results [34,194,196,[205][206][207][208]. Exposure to AFB1 decreases the apparent metabolizable energy poultry can obtain from their diet [34,195,196,[205][206][207].…”

“…Exposure to AFB1 decreases the apparent metabolizable energy poultry can obtain from their diet [34,195,196,[205][206][207]. Therefore, increased dietary nutrients are needed to compensate for impaired uptake.…”

The effects of aflatoxin B1 and silymarin-containing milk thistle seeds on ileal morphology and digestibility in broiler chickens

“…Other researchers have documented the negative effects of AFB1 on total tract retention of energy, mean nitrogen (N), and amino acids in poultry. [4][5][6][7] It seems that AFB1 alone has a harmful effect on the metabolization of nutrients, a harmful effect on the intestine, or both, resulting in increased loss of endogenous nutrients, reduced digestibility of nutrients, or both. 8 From the aforementioned studies, it is difficult to discern a dose-effect relationship between AFB1 and histological changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).…”