Effect of selenium supplementation on the growth response in experimental aflatoxicosis in Japanese quail

Feeding of aflatoxin B. (Sigma) @ 1 ppm to 2-week old quail chicks resulted in dullness, depression, anorexia, reduced feed intake and ruffled feathers after 3 weeks of feeding. A significant (P<0.05) decrease was noticed in the body weight of the aflatoxin fed birds in comparison to controls. Supplementation of diet with selenium as sodium selenite (5 ppm) was found to have some protective action against the toxic effects of aflatoxin B₁.