The Effects of Aflatoxin and Sodium Bentonite Combined and Alone on Some Blood Electrolyte Levels in Broiler Chickens

Authors: GÖKHAN ERASLAN, DİNÇ EŞSİZ, MEHMET AKDOĞAN, FATMA ŞAHİNDOKUYUCU, LEVENT ALTINTAŞ

Abstract: The aim of the study is to determine the effects of aflatoxin and sodium bentonite given alone and in combination on some of blood electrolyte levels in broiler chicks. For this aim, 72 male one-day-old Avian broiler chicks were used. The animals were separated into 6 groups, as one control (Group 1) and the others trial (Groups 2 to 6). While commercial feed was given to Group 1 (control), the other groups received feed containing 0.25% sodium bentonite, 0.50% sodium bentonite, 1 ppm aflatoxin (approximately, 85% B_1, 10% B_2, 3% G_1 and 2% G_2), 1 ppm aflatoxin with 0.25% sodium bentonite and 1 ppm aflatoxin with 0.50% sodium bentonite (Groups 2-6), respectively, for 45 days. Blood samples were taken on the 15^{th}, 30^{th} and 45^{th} days of the study and the sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus and calcium levels in serum were analyzed. At the end of the study, it was determined that aflatoxin caused a decrease in calcium and phosphorous levels. On the other hand, it was observed that sodium bentonite in the feed caused a decrease in both of these electrolyte levels, even though these decreases were higher in the groups that received aflatoxin alone.

Keywords: Aflatoxin, blood electrolyte, broiler chick, sodium bentonite.

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