Immuno-modulatory and Growth-inhibitory Effects of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxin B1) in Broiler Chickens and the Reversal Influence of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Aluminosilicate

Abstract

Eighty, day-old broiler chicks were primed with live ND and IBD vaccines at 7 and 9 days of age and boosted at the age of 21 and 28 days, respectively. At 3 weeks of age, chicks were divided into 5 equal groups A, B, C, D and E. Groups A, B and C were fed on aflatoxin contaminated feed and 1, 2 and 3 g of Hydrated Sodium Calcium Alumino Silicate (HSCAS)/kg of feed respectively. Group D was raised on contaminated feed without binder (positive control) and group E on normal feed without binder (negative control) for a period of four weeks. Maximum body weight gain was observed in group E and minimum in group D. There was a dose related increase in the weight gains of groups A, B and C. The minimum HI titres against NDV were found in group D and maximum in group E. The gradually increasing dosage of the binder in the feed of groups A, B and C manifested a dose related increase in HI antibody titres. Maximum IHA titres against IBD were found in group E and minimum in group D. Groups A, B and C also manifested a dose related increase in IHA titres against IBD. The mortality recorded in groups A, B, C, D and E was 31.25, 18.75, 18.75, 43.75 and 0.0 percent, respectively. Mycotoxinbinder at the rate of 3 g/kg of feed gave better results in terms of body weight gain, humoral immune response and better protection against aflatoxicosis compared to the dose rates of 1 and 2 g/kg of feed.