Evaluation of protective potential of Cajanus indicus in experimental aflatoxin toxicity in broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective potential of Cajanus indicus in experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers fed a diet containing aflatoxin (AF) and Cajanus indicus leaf powder (CLP) for 42 days. A total of 168 Vencobb day old broiler chicks were fed aflatoxin (1 ppm) and Cajanus indicus leaf powder (2 g/kg). Biochemically, AF induced broilers showed significantly increased aminotransferase activities, creatinine, uric acid and significant decrease in cholesterol along with marked hypoproteinemia. However, almost normalization of biochemical alterations in CLP treated broilers against aflatoxicosis suggests the protective and restorative role of Cajanus indicus. The enhanced level of tissue lipid peroxidase in AF-induced broilers was accompanied by significant decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione, tissue protein and insignificant decrease in catalase. Supplementation of CLP lowered the level of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant status of broilers.