The effect of low-dose ochratoxin: A fed in ducks on blood haematological profiles and histopathological alterations

Abstract

Contamination of mycotoxins in feed results in poor production of livestock and is a health hazard. Animal feed is reportedly prone to be contaminated with mycotoxins such as ochratoxin. In poultry production, ochratoxicosis may reduce growth rate, increase susceptibility to diseases by reducing immune responses and increasing mortality rate. Few studies on ochratoxicosis in duck, particular with exposure at a low level, have been reported. In this report, haematological and blood chemistry profiles and pathological changes in duck upon feeding of low doses of Ochratoxin A (OTA) are described. A total of 48 ducks (15 days old) were administered feed contaminated with OTA at 0, 50, 125 and 250 μg kg-1 for six weeks. The mortality rate was zero and no significant effects on feed consumption and body weight were observed at the end of the treatment period. In addition, OTA contamination in this experiment had no effect on red blood cell production. As a result, no haematological or blood chemistry profiles were identified as specific indicators of OTA exposure. However, depletion of heterophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils following OTA exposure was noted. Thus, OTA contamination has a tendency to suppress certain immune cells in duck even at low levels of exposure. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.