Effect of Aflatoxin and Ochratoxin A on Biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chickens

The effect of dietary aflatoxin (AF, 0.5, 1 and 2 ppm) and ochratoxin (OA, 1,2 and 4 ppm) either singly or in combinations on liver lipid and serum organic constituents was studied in commercial broiler chicks. An increase (P<0.05) in the liver lipid content was recorded in chicks fed 1 and 2 ppm AF, 4 ppm of OA and all combinations of these toxins. Serum protein concentration was reduced (P<0.05) at all the levels of toxins except 1 ppm of OA. Combination of 2ppm AF and 4 ppm OA caused maximum depression in serum protein concentration. Elevation (P<0.05) in serum bilirubin content was observed in chicks fed 2 ppm AF and combination of 2 ppm AF with 4 ppm OA. Uric acid increased significantly at 2 and 4 ppm of OA and their combinations with 1 and 2 ppm AF. Serum creatinine increased significantly in chicks fed 4 ppm OA and in combinations of 1ppm AF with 2 ppm OA and 2 ppm AF with 4 ppm OA. It is concluded that AF and OA at levels of 2 ppm and 4ppm, respectively either alone or in combination caused significant increase in liver lipids, serum bilirubin, uric acid and creatinine concentrations where as the serum protein concentration was decreased.