Evaluation of effect of Mycotox® binder supplementation on production parameters in induced aflatoxicosis in Pekin ducks

Abstract. Aflatoxins are highly toxic fungal metabolites encountered in feed ingredients at various concentrations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aflatoxin В1 administered either alone or with Mycotox NG on productive traits (body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion) in Pekin ducks. The birds were divided into one control and six experimental groups (n=10): group І (0 mg/kg AFB1 without Mycotox NG); group ІI (0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG); group ІІI (1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG); group IV (0.2 mg/kg AFB1); group V (0.4 mg/kg AFB1); group VI (0.2 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG) and group VII (0.4 mg/kg AFB1 + 1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG). Trial duration was 42 days; changes in productive traits were determined on 14th, 28th and 42nd day. Lower productive traits in terms of body weight, daily weight gain and feed intake along with higher feed conversion ratio were found out in ducklings from experimental groups IV and V. The addition of 0.5 g/kg or 1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG to the diet of groups VI and VIII reduced or prevented the deleterious AFB1 effects on studied productive parameters.