Experimental aflatoxicosis in hybro-type chicks: sequential changes in growth and serum constituents and histopathological changes.

The effects of aflatoxin B1 on Hybro-type chicks were determined. Seven day-old chicks of both sexes were fed a diet containing aflatoxin at 0.5 ppm for 4 weeks. When compared to the controls, body weights and efficiency of feed utilization were depressed in the aflatoxin-fed group. The activities of serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GDH) and concentrations of potassium were significantly elevated, and total protein and calcium levels were decreased in aflatoxin-fed chicks. There were no consistent differences in the concentrations of other serum constituents between the controls and test birds. Histopathological examinations of liver and kidney sections revealed typical lesions of aflatoxicosis. In the kidney, recovery was slow as indicated by the presence of vacuolation and necrosis of the cells of many renal convoluted tubules 3 weeks after withdrawal of the experimental ration.