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Abstract
In vitro studies indicated that a sodium bentonite (SB) from southern Argentina had
a high ability to sorb aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from aqueous solution. We evaluated this
compound for its ability to reduce the effects of total aflatoxins (AF; 5 mg AFB1/kg)
in the diet of growing broiler chickens from 30 to 52 d of age. The diets were amended
with 0.3% Argentinean SB to determine the effect of this compound during aflatoxicosis.
When compared with the controls, BW gains were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for
broilers fed diets containing AF alone (1,865 vs. 1,552 g). No differences were found
between the BW gains of broiler chickens fed diets without AF (1,785 g) and those
of chickens fed AF + SB (1,809 g). These results suggest that effects of AF treatment
were ameliorated when SB was used in the broiler chick diets. The AF significantly
(P < 0.05) decreased feed efficiency. Liver, kidney, and pancreas relative weights
increased in chickens fed the diet containing AF alone. Alterations in the levels
of serum total protein, albumin (ALB), and globulins (GLOB) were observed for AF diets,
and moderate protection was provided by the sorbent. The ALB:GLOB ratio decreased
in both groups of birds fed with the AF-contaminated diet, and we observed a moderate
increase in this ratio by 0.3% addition of SB. The histopathological findings in liver
sections of broiler fed diets with AF + SB indicated a nonprotective effect of this
adsorbent, because a moderate hepatic steatosis was observed.