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.

Acknowledgement

Authors wish to thank Naseem Traders for financial and moral support, Biomin for providing OTA material and special thanks to Dr Tariq Javed for helping to study the histopathology slides.