Bhartiya Krishi Anusandhan Patrika

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Mycosorb (esterified glucomannan-EGM) on nutrient retention in aflatoxicated broiler chickens. Day-old chicks (n=270, 50±5 g) were divided into 6 treatment groups, containing 45 numbers in each for 6 weeks. A control ration was prepared with conventional feedstuffs and an experimental diet was prepared from this after incorporating aflatoxin B₁ @ 300 ppb. From the experimental diet, 3 rations were prepared by mixing EGM at graded levels i.e., 0.025, 0.05, or 0.10 per cent. The control ration was mixed with EGM, @ 0.05 per cent and maintained as a positive control. A balance trial of three days duration in the 6^th week was conducted for determination of nutrient retention. There was a significant reduction in dry matter, ether extract, protein, calcium and phosphorus due to aflatoxicosis except on crude fibre. However, the improvement was noticed after the incorporation of Mycosorb. It could be concluded that the maximum benefit of nutrient retention was obtained at the high dose, i.e., 0.10 per cent.