Performance and Blood Profile of Turkey Poults Fed With Different Doses of Aflatoxin in the Diets

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of dietary aflatoxin on performance and blood profile in turkey was studied in 80 Nicholas turkey poults fed with varying concentration of aflatoxin (Af). In a completely randomized design, the poults were assigned to five experimental groups: T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 comprising 16 poults each. T1 was given the control diet containing 0ppb Af while T2, T3, T4 and T5 had 50, 100, 150 and 200ppb Af, respectively in their diets. The feed intake and body weight gain significantly reduced in T2 to T5 than in control group. High mortality (6.25 – 87%) was recorded in T2 to T5 but none in T1. Also, the white blood cell (WBC) and monocytes varied significantly (p < 0.05). However, the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), heterophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and platelets were not affected (p>0.05) by aflatoxin inclusion in the diets. Serum total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly reduced as aflatoxin level increased in the diet. Aspartate amino transferase (AST) on the other hand increased with increased aflatoxin concentration with no trial effect (p>0.05) on alanine amino transferase (ALT).