Blood triiodothyronine, thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations in mulard ducks with experimental aflatoxicosis.

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin В1 applied either independently or in combination with Mycotox NG on blood plasma triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in mulard ducks. Four groups of 20 ten-day-old birds each were used. The control group received compound feed according to the species and the age. The feed of group ІІ was supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg aflatoxin B1, of group ІІI – with 0.8 mg/kg aflatoxin B1, whereas group IV received compound feed with 0.5 mg/kg aflatoxin B1 and 2 g/kg Mycotox NG. Blood hormone concentrations were assayed on the 21st and 42nd day in samples collected from v. metatarsalis medialis. Lower blood T3 and T4 were established in groups II and III. The addition of 2 g/kg Mycotox NG to the feed of group IV had not a significant protecting effect against the adverse effects of aflatoxin B1 on blood triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations.