Mineralogically Well Characterized Bentonite Sources Controlled Aflatoxin Contamination in Poultry

Aflatoxin in poultry feed reduces production, and is a health hazard to the consumers. Its toxicity is reduced through addition of clays. Evaluation of the country’s bentonites may promote their use as toxin binder. After detailed mineralogical and aflatoxin adsorption characteristics of large number of indigenous quarries effectiveness of two bentonites was determined through feeding trial. Bentonites from Bhimber and Dina quarries were applied in three replications at 1 and 2% (w/w) with positive and negative controls to a feed containing 250 μg kg-1 aflatoxin B1. Ten birds initially fed on clean starter feed for two weeks, fed on the experimental feeds and slaughtered after recording live weight on day 35 and dress weight along with internal organs weight were recorded with any apparent disorders. While addition of the bentonites had no detrimental effect, aflatoxin contamination had the lowest body weight and weight gain rate, reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio with apparent disordered liver. The live body weight and weight gain rate increased with 2% bentonite addition to the contaminated feed from both the sources and was statistically similar to the clean feed though the values for these parameters were highest when the addition was to the clean feed. A 42% reduction occurred in weight gain without smectite addition in the toxin feed. The toxin feed had the lowest absolute liver and heart weight with dark coloration. The bentonites use in feed industry may reduce aflatoxin incidences at the application rate of 2%. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers