Clinico-pathological and haemo-biochemical changes in broiler chicken following an outbreak of aflatoxicosis

A study conducted to ascertain the causes of mortality in various broiler farms in Srinagar revealed aflatoxin B1 in feed to the extent of 100 ppb responsible for acute disease which resulted in 30–35% mortality. The gross pathological examination showed hemorrhagic, degenerative or necrotic and proliferative nature in liver and kidneys. Microscopic examination of liver showed fatty changes, perilobular necrosis megalocytosis and megalokaratosis in centrilobular zone. Kidneys showed necrosis of proximal convoluted tubules with cellular casts in distal convoluted tubules. There was increase in relative weights of bursa, spleen and thymus. Hematological studies showed significant reduction in hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte counts. Serum biochemical analysis revealed a significant decrease in serum total protein and cholesterol values contrary to increase in serum glucose level and significantly higher serum SGOT and SGPT levels in affected birds.