Effects of Aflatoxin on the Performance of Broiler Breeders and Its Alleviation through Herbal Mycotoxin Binder

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This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on performance and egg quality in broiler breeders and the abatement of its deteriorative effect through its counteraction with Herbal Mycotoxin Binder (HMB). Thirty-six, 28-wk-old broiler breeder hens were allotted to one of the three treatments of: (1) basal diet (control),(2) control plus 500 μg kg-1 AFB1 and (3) control diet plus 500 μg kg-1 AFB1+0.2%HMB for three periods, each of a duration of three weeks and when from 28 to 36 weeks of age. Results revealed that 500 μg kg-1 AFB1 significantly (P< 0.05) reduced feed consumption, feed efficiency, egg production as well as egg weight. Supplementation of HMB partially restored feed consumption and egg production alleviating some side effects of AFB1.