Effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA)-Contaminated Feed on Several Health and Economic Parameters in White Leghorn Cockerels

This study was designed to evaluate some pathological responses of male White Leghorn (WL) chicks, kept on low level of ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed. For this purpose, 350 a-day old male WL chicks were divided into five groups (AE). Group A, was kept as control, while Groups B, C, D, and E were fed OTAcontaminated diet at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/Kg feed, respectively, for 21 days. Feed intake on daily basis and body weight gain of the chicks was recorded on weekly basis. A subjective scoring of clinical signs and gross pathological lesions on visceral organs was performed. Relative weights of liver, kidneys and gizzard were recorded at the end of experiment. Serum biochemical profile and histological alteration in liver and kidneys of chicks was determined to assess the OTA mediated damage. A significant decrease in the feed intake and body weight gain of the chicks was observed in OTA treated groups. Clinical signs exhibited by the chicks included severe diarrhea, dullness, depression, increase water intake and ruffled feathers. Gross pathological lesions on liver and kidneys included lighter in coloration, friable and hemorrhagic. A significant increase in the weight of liver, kidney and gizzard was observed in OTA fed chicks. Histologically, liver and kidneys of chicks showed degenerative and necrotic changes. Serum biochemical profile indicated a severe damage to liver and kidneys in OTA fed chicks. The finding of this study suggested that there were pathological effects from OTA in male WL chicks kept on low doses of OTA-contaminated diet.