Effect of clinoptilolite on performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) during experimental aflatoxicosis

Effects of supplemented multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent in laying hens fed aflatoxin B1 and T2-toxin contaminated feeds

The present study was conducted to determine the ability of multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA) in feed to prevent the gastrointestinal absorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T2-toxin supplemented via spiked maize. For comparisons, hens were fed with uncontaminated basal diet without or with addition of MMDA at 2 g/kg feed. The trial consisted of 105 laying hens (Lohmann Brown) without obvious signs of disease allocated to 7 treatment groups in 35 pens. Responses were demonstrated on laying performance and health status throughout the 42 d experimental period. The results of laying performance indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin (AFB1 and T2-toxin) levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage, however simultaneous presence of MMDA laying performance was slightly modified linearly to increasing application. Dose-dependent pathological changes in liver and kidneys and their relative weights, changes in blood parameters and reduced eggshell weights were observed in the hens fed AFB1 and T2-toxin. The pathological changes in the hens fed with diets containing AFB1 and T2-toxin without MMDA were significantly higher as compared with the control group, but eggshell stability was not affected. The contents of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidney tissues were significantly decreased in the hens supplemented with MMDA at 2 and 3 g/kg in feed. MMDA supplementation significantly reduced the deposition of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidneys at the maximum tolerated dosage (2 and 3 g/kg) indicating specific binding to AFB1 and T2-toxin in the digestive tract as compared to the corresponding diets without MMDA. Exposure of AFB1 and T2-toxin indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage because of the significantly reduced egg production. Therefore, in this study, MMDA could reduce negative effects of feeding AFB1 and T-2 to laying hens.

In vitro mycotoxin binding capacities of clays, glucomannan and their combinations

Clays, glucomannans and their combinations are widely used to bind mycotoxins in contaminated feeds to reduce their toxic effects on animals. In the present study, the binding abilities of clinoptilolite, sepiolite, bentonite, and montmorillonite, glucomannan, and four commercial TB products (P1, P2, C1 and C2) were investigated in vitro for their binding effects on seven different mycotoxins (AF, aflatoxin; OTA, ochratoxin; ZEA, zearalenone; DON, deoxynivalenol; FUM, fumonisin; T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin) in medium at pH 3.0 and 6.8. The clays were observed to bind AF, DON, and OTA at the following levels: clinoptilolite on AF at 72-90%, on DON at 61-68%, and on OTA at 52-62%; sepiolite on AF at 92-98%, on DON at 36-68%, and on OTA at 53-55%; bentonite on AF at 88-95%, on DON at 23-73%, and on OTA at 54-56%, and montmorillonite on AF at 74-80%, on DON at 46-68%, and on OTA at 54-55%. We also observed that these clays bound ZEA, FUM, T-2, and HT-2 at 25-45%. Glucomannan bound AF at a high rate (85-96%); however, bound DON at 31-56% and OTA at 54-55%, and other mycotoxins at 25-43%. Although P1, which consisted of clay combinations, bound AF and OTA at high rates, it bound DON, FUM, ZEA, T-2, and HT-2 at medium rates. P2, to which glucomannan was added to the clay combination, was observed to have the ability to bind OTA, FUM, and T-2 at ∼15-20% more than P1. When similar commercial products were compared, P2 provided ∼>10% adsorption of AF, 20% of OTA and FUM, and 5% of T-2 than C1, while similar binding ability of these two products were observed on the other toxins.

The Efficacy of a Smectite-Based Mycotoxin Binder in Reducing Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity on Performance, Health and Histopathology of Broiler Chickens

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the efficacy of a smectite-based clay binder (Toxo-MX) in reducing the toxicological effects of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in commercial broiler chickens. A total of 450 one-day old male broiler chickens were randomly allocated into three treatment groups with ten replicates of 15 birds each in a 42-day feeding experiment. The dietary treatments included a negative control (NC, a basal diet with no AFB₁ and binder), a positive control (PC, a basal diet contaminated with 500 ppb of AFB₁) and a smectite-based mycotoxin binder(Toxo-MX, PC with smectite clay binder). AFB₁ challenge resulted in 14 to 24% depression in growth performance, elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), organ enlargement and immuno-suppression.As compared to PC, feeding of Toxo-MX improved the final weight (15%; p < 0.0001), average daily gain (ADG) (15%; p < 0.001) and feed efficiency of broilers (13%; p < 0.0003) but did not have any effects on liver enzyme activities. Supplementation of smectite claysignificantly increased serum globulin levels and reduced the weight of the liver (p < 0.05) as compared to AFB₁-fed broiler chickens. The severity of lesions (inflammatory and degenerative changes) observed in the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and lymphoid organs in PC birds was reduced by feeding smectite clay. The immuno-suppression caused by AFB₁ was moderately ameliorated in Toxo-MX groupby stimulating the production of antibodies against IBD at day 42 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of a smectite-based mycotoxin binder to the diet containing AFB₁ improved growth performance, reduced toxicological effects in liver and improved humoral immune response in broilers, suggesting its protective effect against aflatoxicosis.

Dietary montmorillonite as growth promoter and immunomodulator in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A 98-day research was conducted to assess the influence of dietary montmorillonite (MMT) on growth and immune competence in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish fry (mean weight: 500 ± 35 mg) were fed with four experimental diets contained MMT at levels of 0 (as control group), 1, 2 and 4%. At the end of the experiment, the survival rate and growth parameters and serum total protein and albumin levels in MMT experimental groups was higher than the control group. Regarding humoral immune responses, fish being fed with 2 and 4% MMT diets showed the greatest and the lowest serum C₃, C₄ and lysozyme levels, respectively. Serum alternative complement pathway activity (ACH50) in groups fed with 1 and 2% MMT supplemented diets was higher than the other groups. At the end of the challenge test with VHSV, the mortality rate reached to 28 and 20% in the control group and 4% MMT supplemented groups, respectively, whereas fish fed with 1 and 2% MMT supplemented diets showed the lowest mortality rate (2.5%) Fish fed with 1 and 2% MMT supplemented groups showed higher head kidney IL-1β and TNF-α genes expression compared to the other treatment groups. In addition, fish fed with 2% MMT-supplemented diet had the highest head kidney Lyz-2 gene expression. In summary, the results of this research suggests that supplementing diet with MMT at 1 or 2% improve growth and non-specific humoral immune responses and induce head kidney immune relate genes expression and disease resistance against VHS in O. mykiss.

Fossil Shell Flour in Livestock Production: A Review

Fossil shell flour (FSF), also known as Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, consists of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics, including porosity and permeability, low density and thermal conductivity, tiny particle size, high surface area, solubility, hydrophobia, and absorption capabilities, which are molecular filter actors, substituting their integral cations without physical changes. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, FSF has been modified as additives for several uses. Recent studies have supported its use as animal growth promoter, vaccine adjuvant in livestock, water purifier, mycotoxin binder, inert dust applications in stored-pest management, pesticide, animal feed additive, as a natural source of silicon in livestock and as natural anthelmintic. Numerous advantages of FSF include its low-cost and availability, its nontoxic characteristics, and the fact that food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. In this paper, we review the main uses of FSF in the livestock industry, with reference to similar works earlier published that elucidate their important roles.

The effects of aflatoxin B1 on growth hormone regulated gene-1 and interaction between DNA and aflatoxin B1 in broiler chickens during hatching

Many types of aflatoxin cause problems for both public and animal health. Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is the most toxic and commonly encountered fungal toxin that appears in poultry feed and in feeds stored under unsuitable conditions. AFB₁ decreases feed quality, egg production and fertility of hatching eggs. Also, AFB₁ alters the development of embryos by infecting eggs. We investigated using sequence analysis the changes caused by different concentrations of AFB₁ on the promoter sequences of the growth hormone regulated gene-1 (GHRG-1) in chick embryo at 13, 17, 19 and 21 days incubation. DNA isolated from the liver of chick embryos treated with different concentrations of AFB₁ was separated using agarose gel electrophoresis to detect apoptosis, and DNA interaction with AFB₁ was investigated using plasmids to detect changes in electrophoretic mobility and their effects on DNA. Base changes of the promoter sequences of GHRG-1 in 5 ng/egg, 15 ng/egg and 40 ng/egg doses of AFB₁ were increased on day 19 compared to base changes of the same AFB₁ doses on day 13. We also found that AFB at different concentrations changed the mobility of DNA by binding to it, and that high doses of AFB1 destroyed DNA. The DNA interaction study using plasmid demonstrated that AFB₁ at high doses was bound to plasmid DNA, slowed its mobility and inhibited restriction cuts.

Applications of natural zeolites on agriculture and food production

Zeolites are crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates with remarkable physical and chemical properties, which include losing and receiving water in a reverse way, adsorbing molecules that act as molecular sieves, and replacing their constituent cations without structural change. The commercial production of natural zeolites has accelerated during the last 50 years. The Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association recorded more than 200 zeolites, which currently include more than 40 naturally occurring zeolites. Recent findings have supported their role in stored-pest management as inert dust applications, pesticide and fertilizer carriers, soil amendments, animal feed additives, mycotoxin binders and food packaging materials. There are many advantages of inert dust application, including low cost, non-neurotoxic action, low mammalian toxicity and safety for human consumption. The latest consumer trends and government protocols have shifted toward organic origin materials to replace synthetic chemical products. In the present review, we summarize most of the main uses of zeolites in food and agruculture, along with the with specific paradigms that illustrate their important role. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antigenotoxic Effect of Piperine in Broiler Chickens Intoxicated with Aflatoxin B1

Piperine is an abundant amide extracted from black pepper seeds which has been shown to have protective effects against cytotoxic and genotoxic carcinogenesis induced by certain chemical carcinogens and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in vitro. The aim of this work was to study, in vivo, the antigenotoxic potential of feed-added piperine on broiler chickens experimentally intoxicated with AFB₁, using micronucleus and comet assays. The antigenotoxicity assessment of 9-day-old chicks was performed on a total of 60 chickens divided into four groups of 15 broilers each: (C) control, (P) 60 mg·piperine kg-1 feed, (A) 0.5 mg·AFB₁·kg-1 body weight, (daily by oral route), and (P + A) co-treatment with piperine and AFB₁. The experiment was conducted for 26 days. Chicks intoxicated with AFB₁ showed significant genotoxic effects in the first 24 h post intoxication, and the effects remained in the other periods analyzed (48, 72, and 96 h and 26 days of treatment). The DNA damage in peripheral blood cells, the number of erythrocytes with micronuclei, and polychromatic-to-normochromatic erythrocyte ratio were significantly reduced or absent in the piperine/AFB₁ group. No significant differences were observed between the group piperine/AFB₁ and the control and piperine-alone groups. The addition 60 mg·kg-1 of piperine to the diet of the broiler chicks was safe, promoting beneficial effects in poultry health with respect to the toxic effects 0.5 mg·AFB₁·kg-1 body weight.

Uranium distribution in broiler organs and possibilities for protection

The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of uranium (uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, UN) in muscle and organs (kidney, liver, and brain) of broilers, after a 7-day contamination with UN and administration of two different adsorbents (organobentonite and organozeolite). The birds were contaminated during 7 days with 25 mg/UN per day. Adsorbents were given via gastric tube, immediately after contamination with UN. In group 1 that did not receive any adsorbents, histopathological changes in the contaminated broilers were observed in small intestine, liver, and kidney in the form of necrosis of intestinal villi, oedema and cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes, and dystrophic changes in the kidney tubules epithelium. Organobentonite administered via gastric tube (group 2) reduced uranium distribution by 66 % in kidney, 81 % in liver, and 34 % in brain. In group 3, administration of organozeolite reduced uranium distribution by 67 % in kidney, 68 % in liver, and 49 % in brain. In groups 2 and 3, where the broilers received adsorbents immediately after the UN contamination, no histopathological lesions were observed.

Influence of Zeolite on fatty acid composition and egg quality in Tunisian Laying Hens

BACKGROUND

The health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are generally recognized. Unfortunately, in most Mediterranean countries, the recommended daily intake of these compounds is rarely met. Therefore, enrichment of commonly occurring foods can boost intake of these fatty acids. In this regard, eggs are an interesting target, as they form an integral part of the diet.

RESULT

Zeolite (Clinoptilolites) was added to Laying Hens feed at concentrations 1% or 2% and was evaluated for its effects on performance of the production and on egg quality. The Laying Hens were given access to 110 g of feed mixtures daily that was either a basal diet or a 'zeolite diet' (the basal diet supplemented with clinoptilolite at a level of 1% or 2%). It was found that zeolite treatment had a positive and significatif (p<0.05) effect on some parameters that were measured like egg height and eggshell strength. While dietary zeolite supplementation tended to/or has no significant effects on total egg, eggshell, yolk and albumen weights. It was found also that zeolite mainly increases level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg.

CONCLUSION

This study showed the significance of using zeolite, as a feed additive for Laying Hens, as part of a comprehensive program to control egg quality and to increase level of polyunsaturated fatty acids on egg.

Comparative study of (137)Cs distribution in broilers and pheasants and possibilities for protection

The aim of the present study was to investigate distribution of (137)Cs in leg and breast meat of broilers and pheasants following single alimentary contamination and administration of two protectors (AFCF and clinoptilolite). The birds were administered a single dose of (137)CsCl, with an activity of 750 Bq. Protectors were given via gastric tube or mixed in the forage pellets. AFCF given via gastric tube decreased the (137)Cs concentration by a factor of 7.8 in broilers leg meat and 7.4 in broilers breast meat. When AFCF was mixed in pellets, the (137)Cs concentration was 19.5 times lower in broilers leg meat and 22.1 times lower in broilers breast meat, than in the control group. In pheasants, AFCF administered via gastric tube decreased the (137)Cs concentration by a factor of 12.4 in leg meat and by a factor of 13.7 in breast meat, respectively. In group 4, where pheasants were administered AFCF mixed in pellets, the (137)Cs concentration was 3.7 times lower in leg and breast meat, than in the control group. For comparison, clinoptilolite administered via gastric tube decreased the (137)Cs concentration 1.8 times in broilers leg meat and 2.0 times in breast meat, compared to the control group. In pheasants, (137)Cs concentration was 2.9 times lower in leg meat and 2.6 times lower in breast meat. Clinoptilolite mixed in the feed had relatively low efficiency of protection in broilers ((137)Cs concentration was 1.4 times lower in leg meat and 1.6 lower in breast meat). A similar trend was observed in pheasants ((137)Cs concentration was 1.6 lower in leg and breast meat).

Preventive and therapeutic methods against the toxic effects of mycotoxins - a review

Ingredients used in animal feeds and their contamination with undesirable substances, such as mycotoxins, are fundamentally important both in terms of the quality of animal products and the potential human health impacts associated with the animal-based food production chain. Feed ingredients contaminated with mycotoxins may have a wide range of toxicological effects on animals. Therefore, mycotoxin contamination of feed ingredients constituting complete feed products represents an important potential hazard in farm animal production. This review summarises the potential effects of some preventive methods used during the storage of cereal grains as well as of nutritive (e.g. antioxidants, amino acids, fats) or non-nutritive compounds (e.g. pharmacological substances, carbon- or silica-based polymers) and detoxifying enzymes recommended for use against the toxic effects of different mycotoxins.

In vitro evaluation of the use of zeolites as biomaterials: effects on simulated body fluid and two types of cells

Various zeolites were kept in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods of time. Possible changes that may occur in the crystalline structures of zeolites and the chemical composition of SBF were determined by various analysis techniques after this treatment. The possible effects of two different zeolites on the morphology and viability of chronic myelogeneous leukemia and swiss albino fibroblast culture cells were also investigated. It was determined that when different types of zeolites were kept in the SBF for up to 14 days, their crystal structures were not affected. Observable amounts of Si were detected in the SBF samples after their treatment with all the zeolites investigated. Another variation in the chemical composition of SBF, worth to mention, was the increase of about 10% in its K content after the treatment carried out by using clinoptilolite. The zeolites KA and silicalite, which allowed the lowest and highest amount of silicon transfer into the SBF, respectively, were observed not to have any significant biological effect on the two different cell generations investigated under the conditions used in this study.

The role of natural and synthetic zeolites as feed additives on the prevention and/or the treatment of certain farm animal diseases: A review

The present review comments on the role of the use of zeolites as feed additives on the prevention and/or the treatment of certain farm animal diseases. Both natural and synthetic zeolites have been used in animal nutrition mainly to improve performance traits and, based on their fundamental physicochemical properties, they were also tested and found to be efficacious in the prevention of ammonia and heavy metal toxicities, poisonings as well as radioactive elements uptake and metabolic skeletal defects. During the last decade, their utilization as mycotoxin-binding adsorbents has been a topic of considerable interest and many published research data indicate their potential efficacy against different types of mycotoxins either as a primary material or after specific modifications related to their surface properties. Ingested zeolites are involved in many biochemical processes through ion exchange, adsorption and catalysis. Recent findings support their role in the prevention of certain metabolic diseases in dairy cows, as well as their shifting effect on nitrogen excretion from urine to faeces in monogastric animals, which results in lower aerial ammonia concentration in the confinement facilities. Moreover, new evidence provide insights into potential mechanisms involved in zeolites supporting effect on animals suffered from gastrointestinal disturbances, including intestinal parasite infections. All the proposed mechanisms of zeolites' effects are summarized in the present review and possible focus topics for further research in selected areas are suggested.

Evaluation of pathological changes in broilers during chronic aflatoxin (50 and 100 ppb) and clinoptilolite exposure

This study was conducted to evaluate the pathological changes in broilers fed a diet containing low-levels of aflatoxin (AF) and clinoptilolite (CLI) until 42 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old Ross-308 type broiler chicks were treated with varying levels of AF and CLI (15 g kg(-1)). The gross and histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were investigated and relative organ weights were calculated. Compared to controls, significant changes (P<0.05), such as slight to moderate hydropic degeneration and/or fatty change (8 cases of 10), bile-duct hyperplasia (7 of 10) and periportal fibrosis (5 of 10), were found in chicks fed 100 ppb AF-containing diet. No gross-pathological changes were observed in any treatments. The addition of CLI to the 100 ppb AF-containing diet significantly decreased the number of affected broilers and/or the severity of lesions (hydropic degeneration and bile-duct hyperplasia) in the livers (P<0.05). The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet did not produce any significant lesions compared with the controls.

Efficacy of sodium bentonite as a detoxifier of broiler feed contaminated with aflatoxin and fumonisin

Sodium bentonite (SB) was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler diets. It was incorporated into the diets (0.3%) containing 2.5 mg/kg AFB1, 200 mg/kg FB1, or a combination of 2.5 mg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg FB1. Aflatoxin B1 significantly diminished body weight gain, whereas FB1 or the combination of FB1 and SB had no effect. Addition of SB in the diets significantly diminished the inhibitory effects of dietary AFB1. Feeding AFB1 alone caused significant increases in the relative weights of most observed organs. Feeding FB1 alone did not alter relative weights of any organs. In the combined diet (AFB1 plus FB1) relative weights of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and spleen were increased. Addition of SB to the diet containing AFB1 diminished the relative weights of liver, kidney, and spleen. Addition of SB to diets containing AFB1 and FB1 only decreased liver weights. In relation to the control, lower serum levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins were observed for all AFB, containing diets without SB addition, whereas all other treatments were not altered. Livers of birds fed diets containing AFB1 and a combination of AFB1 and FB1 were enlarged, yellowish, friable, and had rounded borders. The histopathology of them, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, showed multifocal and varied cytoplasmatic vacuolization with perilobular location. Incorporation of SB reduced the incidence and severity of the hepatic histopathology changes associated with aflatoxicosis.

Biological suppression of aflatoxicosis in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) by dietary addition of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

The amelioration of aflatoxicosis in Japanese quails was examined by the dietary addition of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; SCE). Yeast incorporated into the diet at 1 g kg(-1) was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.5 mg total aflatoxin (AF; 82.30 per cent AFB1, 2.06 per cent AFB2, 7.68 per cent AFG1 and 7.96 per cent AFG2) kg(-1)diet on growing Japanese quail chicks from 10 days to 45 days of age. Forty 10-day-old Japanese quail chicks were assigned to 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments (control, AF, SCE, AF plus SCE) each consisting of 10 quails. The performances of birds were evaluated. The AF treatment significantly and dramatically decreased food consumption and body-weight gain from the first week onwards. The significant adverse effect of AF on the food conversion ratio was also determined from week 1 to the end of the experiments. The addition of SCE to the AF -containing diet significantly reduced these deleterious effects of AF on food consumption, body-weight gain and food conversion ratio. Compared to controls, the cumulative body weight gain was reduced by 37 per cent among the quails consuming AF without SCE, but increased 15 per cent for the birds fed AF plus SCE. Interestingly, the single inclusion of SCE to the AF-free diet provided significant improvements in all the investigated growth performances of birds (approximately 40 per cent) compared to controls.

Ameliorative effects of dietary clinoptilolite on pathological changes in broiler chickens during aflatoxicosis

The amelioration of aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens was examined by feeding two concentrations of natural zeolite (clinoptilolite). Clinoptilolite (ClI), incorporated into the diet at 1.5 and 2.5 per cent, was evaluated for the ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.5 mg total aflatoxin (AF) kg(-1)diet on growing broiler chicks from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 360 broiler chicks were divided into six treatment groups [Control, AF, CLI (1.5 per cent), AF plus CLI (1.5 per cent), CLI (2.5 per cent), and AF plus CLI (2.5 per cent)] each consisting of 60 chicks. Compared to controls, the AF consuming chicks showed increases in the relative weights of liver and kidney; and gross-histopathologic hepatic lesions such as paleness, friability, diffuse hydropic degeneration and/or fatty change, bile-duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis. Glumerular hypertrophy, increases in the number of mesengial cells and hydropic degeneration of tubuler epithelium in kidneys of chicks fed diet AF alone were also observed. Atrophy and lymphoid depletion were seen in the thymuses and bursa of Fabricius from the chicks fed AF alone. The additions of CLI (1.5 and 2.5 per cent) to the AF -containing diet moderately (significantly in some cases) decreased the number of affected broilers and/or the severity of lesions. The addition of CLI to the AF-free diet did not produce any significant changes compared with the controls. These results suggest that CLI was effective for the protection of AF-toxication in broilers and it could contribute to a solution of the AF problem in poultry production.

Mycotoxin detoxication of animal feed by different adsorbents

The contamination of animal feed with mycotoxins represents a worldwide problem for farmers. These toxins originate from molds whose growth on living and stored plants is almost unavoidable particularly under moist conditions. Mycotoxin-containing feed can cause serious diseases in farm animals resulting in suffering and even death and thus can cause substantial economic losses. The most applied method for protecting animals against mycotoxicosis is the utilization of adsorbents mixed with the feed which are supposed to bind the mycotoxins efficiently in the gastro-intestinal tract. Aluminosilicates are the preferred adsorbents, followed by activated charcoal and special polymers. The efficiency of mycotoxin binders, however, differs considerably depending mainly on the chemical structure of both the adsorbent and the toxin. This review describes the most important types of adsorbents and the respective mechanisms of adsorption. Data of the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of detoxication are given.

Preventive efficacy of clinoptilolite in broilers during chronic aflatoxin (50 and 100 ppb) exposure

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective efficacy of clinoptilolite (CLI, a natural zeolite) in the prevention of toxic effects of aflatoxin (AF). A total of 576 1-day-old Ross broiler chicks were housed in six treatment groups [six replicates of 16 each; control, CLI (15 g kg(-1)diet), 50 parts per billion (ppb) AF, 50 ppb AF plus CLI, 100 ppb AF, 100 ppb AF plus CLI ] for 42 days. Compared to controls, 100 ppb AF treatment significantly decreased body weight gains of chicks. The addition of CLI to the 100 ppb AF - containing diet moderately reduced the adverse effects of AF on performances of chicks. The chicks consuming 50 ppb AF -containing diet showed no significant differences on investigated parameters compared to controls. Also, the single addition of CLI to the AF -free diet had no adverse effects in birds. These results suggest that CLI can be beneficial in broilers for protection of AF toxicity at the level above.

Effect of clinoptilolite on serum biochemical and haematological characters of broiler chickens during aflatoxicosis

Clinoptilolite (CLI, a natural zeolite) incorporated into the diet at 1.5 and 2.5 per cent were evaluated for their ability to reduce the deleterious effects of 2.5 mg total aflatoxin (AF) kg(-1)diet on broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. In total 360 broiler chicks were divided into six equal treatment groups (control, AF, CLI (1.5 per cent), AF plus CLI (1.5 per cent), CLI (2.5 per cent) and AF plus CLI (2.5 per cent)). When compared with the controls, AF treatment significantly decreased serum total protein, albumin, inorganic phosphorus, uric acid, total cholesterol and the values of haematocrit, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular volume, haemoglobin, thrombocyte counts, percentage of monocyte counts; increased values of white blood cell and heterophil counts. The addition of CLI (1.5 per cent) and CLI (2.5 per cent) to the AF -containing diet reduced the adverse effects of AF and should be helpful in a solution to the aflatoxicosis problem in poultry.