Effect of T-2 toxin on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and immune response status in turkey poults

The present work was undertaken to study changes in certain haematological and serum biochemical parameters and immune response in T-2 toxin fed turkey poults. Known amount of T-2 toxin containing powdered wheat culture were incorporated into the toxin free turkey prestarter mash to yield 1 and 3 ppm T-2 toxin. Thirty newly hatched Beltsville Small White turkey poults were randomly allotted to three groups of 10 poults each (0, 1 and 3 ppm) and fed toxin mixed diets from day 1 to 28 days of age. PCV and Hb levels decreased significantly (P<0.05). Serum glucose level increased and lipid profiles decreased significantly (P<0.05) in toxin fed poults. Serum AST, ALT and ALP values increased significantly (P<0.05) in T-2 toxin groups, when compared to control. The mean ± SE ELISA titres were 4.883 ± 0.25, 4.568 ± 0.31 and 3.099 ± 0.15 and stimulation index 0.448 ± 0.10, 0.315 ± 0.27 and -0.195 ± 0.10 in the control, 1 ppm and 3 ppm T-2 toxin groups, respectively. Thus T-2 toxin was found to cause anaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypolipidaemia, elevation of serum AST, ALT and ALP levels and exert immunosuppressive effects in turkey poults.