Evaluation of mycotoxin binder supplementation on production parameters and organ weights in Toulouse geese with experimental aflatoxicosis

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG 0.05%) in 40 day-old Toulouse geese from both sexes with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were reared from day one to 42 days of age on deep litter system and divided into four groups. Normal feed free of aflatoxin (AFB1), was given to the control (Group 1). The feed of Group 2 was supplemented with 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG, aflatoxin (0.5 mg/kg feed) was supplemented to the feed of Group 3 and Mycotox NG (0.05%) + 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 - to the feed of Group 4. Production parameters (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion) and relative organ weights were recorded. The results showed that the total feed intake, final live weight of Mycotox NG + AFB1 treated birds (Group 4) at 6 weeks of age were significantly increased (P<0.01) as compared to birds treated only with AFB1 (Group 3). The total feed conversion ratio of the group given AFB1 only (Group 3) at 6 weeks of age was significantly increased (P<0.01) compared to controls while in Mycotox Ng + AFB1 treated birds (Group-4) it was significantly increased (P<0.01) by post treatment week 1 vs controls, but not as compared to birds treated with AFB1 alone. There was a significant increase in relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard in birds fed only aflatoxin (Group 3). The co-administration of Mycotox NG (0.5 g/kg feed) with AFB1 (Group 4) reduced the relative weights of thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of Mycotox NG could partially neutralise aflatoxicity in geese.