Efficacy of Tribasic Copper Chloride (TBCC) to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Aflatoxin in Broilers

Authors: SEFA ÇELİK, ZEYNEP ERDOĞAN, SUAT ERDOĞAN, RAMAZAN BAL

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of copper as tribasic copper chloride on serum biochemical values and growth performance of broilers intoxicated with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins significantly decreased the level of albumin (P < 0.001), total protein (P < 0.001) and total cholesterol (P < 0.01), and increased the activities of alanine amino transferase, L-lactic dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase (P £ 0.001) in serum. These AF-induced changes were significantly improved by adding tribasic copper chloride to the diet. The decrease in serum copper concentration induced by aflatoxin was reversed by tribasic copper chloride. Serum zinc concentrations were not affected in tribasic copper chloride and tribasic copper chloride plus aflatoxin groups. Serum iron levels decreased in all the treatment groups significantly (P < 0.05). Aflatoxins caused significant decrease in the body weight gain and significant increase in the feed conversion ratio. Adverse effects of aflatoxins on feed conversion ratio were reversed by tribasic copper chloride supplementation to the diet. It is suggested that tribasic copper chloride might be used for reducing the adverse effects of aflatoxins in broiler production.

Keywords: TBCC, biochemical values, performance, broiler, aflatoxin

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