Influence on Mycotox® NG effects on relative weights of some internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimentally reproduced aflatoxicosis В1

Abstract. Contamination of poultry feeds with mycotoxins is a global problem faced by poultry industry due to increased demands and availability of poor-quality cereals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG) on relative weights of internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were divided into one control and six experimental groups (n=10) as follows: 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. It was established that ducks fed AFB1-contaminated feed had increased relative weights of liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, gizzard and proventriculus compared to the control group. At the same time, the relative weights of immunocompetent organs (thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius) were reduced. The addition of Mycotox NG to the feed contaminated with AFB1 compensated partly the changes in relative weights of visceral organs. The results from the present study demonstrated that the tested toxin binder could be effective for reduction of toxic effects of aflatoxins in domestic ducks.