Aflatoxin Occurrence in Feedstuffs and Its Effect on Poultry Production

Abstract

Analytical surveys on occurrence of aflatoxin contamination of feedstuffs in the northern region of Uttar Pradesh were conducted during four consecutive years. The percentages of contaminated samples and their average aflatoxin contents have been reported. Investigations were also undertaken to study effect of dietary aflatoxin on performance of different categories of poulay and permissible dietary level of aflatoxin.

A significant depression in performance of White Leghorn (WL) and Rhode Island Red (RIR) × White Leghorn chicks was observed at 0.2 ppm toxin level. The performance of quail chicks fed diets containing 0.2 and 0.3 ppm toxin was comparable with chicks given aflatoxin free diet. However, retention of nutrients was adversely affected at 0.3 ppm and higher levels of aflatoxin in these chicks. Reduction in serum protein concentration was observed at 0.75 ppm of aflatoxin in WL and RIR × WL chicks. In pure bred broilers, at 0.3 ppm and feed consumption at 0.5 ppm growth was reduced significantly. A marked decrease in total serum proteins and an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxalocetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase was observed at 0.5 and 0.75 ppm. On the other hand, commercial broilers could tolerate a level of 0.4 ppm aflatoxin in diet. Guinea fowls were found to be the most resistant to the dietary aflatoxin. Studies on laying quails indicated that hen daily egg production was significantly reduced at 0.5 and 0.75 ppm levels. Enhancement of dietary protein by 5 percent protected the chicks, broilers and laying quails from toxic effect of dietary aflatoxin. An analytical survey was also conducted to find out the occurrence of aflatoxin in poultry feedstuffs.