Efficacy of β-glucans and manna oligosaccharides (Yeast Cell Wall) and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) in preventing aflatoxicosis in bovine calves

The objective of this study was to determine the response of bovine calves against aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in terms of feed consumption, hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to compare the efficacy of two different mycotoxin adsorbents, in vitro and in vivo. 36 bovine calves were divided into 4 groups. Group A was fed AFB₁ added feed with the addition of #-glucans and Mannan oligosaccharides (Yeast Cell Wall), group B was fed AFB₁ with hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) and group C was fed AFB₁ contaminated feed without addition of mycotoxin binders while group D was kept as negative control. AFB₁ was given by gelatinized capsules at a dose rate of 1.0mg/kg/animal/day. Results revealed averagedaily feed intake(ADFI) of AFB₁ treated bovine calves significantly reduced (P < 0.05) and all hematological parameters i.e; TEC, HGB, TLC, lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, MCHC, HCT and MCH decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, serum levels of AST, ALT, Creatinine and BUN were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in response to AFB₁. When compared between groups, YCW significantly (P < 0.05) improved the feed consumption of bovine calves while HSCAS significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the AFB₁ induced deleterious alterations in hematology and serum biochemistry.