Effects of experimental aflatoxicosis on renal function in broiler chickens.

The morphological changes in kidneys and some blood parameters of the renal function were followed out in broilers chickens with experimental aflatoxicosis. The possibility for prevention of the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) through supplementation of feed with the myco­sorbent Mycotоx NG was also investigated. The experiments were conducted with five groups of ten 7-day-old Cobb broiler chickens in each. The formed groups were as followed: group I – control, fed a standard compound feed; group II – experimental, whose feed was supplemented with 1 g/kg Mycotox NG, group III – experimental, receiving 0.5 mg/kg AFB1; group IV – experimental, receiving 0.8 mg/kg AFB1 and group V – experimental, supplemented with 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 and 1 g/kg Mycotox NG. The trial’s duration was 42 days. Blood samples for analysis were collected on days 21 and 42. The results showed increased urea, creatinine and uric acid levels, as well as reduction in blood calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium concentrations in groups III and IV. There were no morphological changes in the renal parenchyma of chickens from group I and II. In chickens from group III, the renal parenchyma showed cloudy swelling and vacuolated cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cells. Chickens from experimental group IV exhibited stronger desquamation of tubular epithelial cells, necrotic and necrobiotic changes and haemorrhages. The supplementation of poultry feed with Mycotox NG (group V) decreased the deviations in blood changes, as well as the incidence and severity of histological lesions (hyperaemia, epithelial cell disintegration and glandular dystrophy.