Toxin and toxin-binders affecting the performance, organs, haematology and histological characteristics of broilers fed with infected diets

Abstract

The potency of four varieties of toxin binders (labeled A, B, C and D) on the physiological status of broiler birds fed with diets infected with aflatoxin was investigated. Six experimental diets were formulated: Diet 1 was infected with aflatoxin without binders, Diets 2 to 5 were infected but binders A, B, C or D were added, while Diet 6 was the control diet without infection. 180 birds were equally and randomly assigned to the 6 treatments and raised for 8 weeks. Their weights and feed consumptions were monitored. After eight weeks, 3 birds per replicate were randomly selected, starved and slaughtered. Their organs were obtained and weighed. Their blood and liver samples were collected for histological examination. Only the animals fed with control diet had significant difference (p<0.05) in the average daily feed intake at starter phase. While T5 (infected diet + activated charcoal) had significantly higher (p<0.05) feed intake and best feed conversion ratio (3.44) at finisher phase. Kidney proportion of birds from T1 was significantly (p<0.05) higher than others while control had the least value (0.53%). Hemoglobin, lymphocyte and heterophils were not influenced (p>0.05) among blood parameters. Histological observation of liver revealed inflammation of hepatocyte. Conclusively, the use of activated charcoal as toxin binder gave optimum performance compared to the other binders.