Effect of some feed-additives on the growth performance, physiological response and histopathological changes of rabbits subjected to ochratoxin-A feed contamination

Abstract

This experiment aimed to evaluate the toxic influence of ochratoxin-A (OTA) feed contamination and the effectiveness of some feed-additives (Humic acids, Bio-Plus 2B, Bio-Mos) in detoxifying ochratoxicosis. Thirty five day old weaned Animal Production Research Institute (APRI) rabbits were selected and were allocated to four groups. Group 1 (control, OTA group): rabbits were fed basal diet (ochratoxin- A level: 19 μg /kg diet). Group 2: rabbits were fed a basal diet containing 0.2 % humic acid. Group 3: rabbits were fed a basal diet containing 0.4 mg/kg diet Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis (Bio-Plus 2B). Group 4: rabbits were fed a basal diet containing 0.1% Manna oligosaccharides (Bio-Mos). The control group showed significantly reduced feed intake, daily weight gain and growth performance index. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in AST, ALT, malondialdehyde, creatinine, and urea. Moreover, Bio-Mos group revealed significantly increased serum Hemoglobin, PCV, RBCs, MCV and RBCs/lymphocyte ratio, and significantly decreased serum SOD and CAT activities. Additionally, internal organs (liver, kidney and intestine) of groups received feed additives revealed less deteriorative change in histopathological investigations in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, supplementation of contaminated feed with ochratoxin-A by feed-additives improves feed intake and final body weight and reduces mortality rate of rabbits. In addition, it improves liver and kidney functions and reduces its pathological changes, and restores antioxidant to its normal level.