Effect of Ochratoxin A (OTA)-Contaminated Feed on
Several Health and Economic Parameters in White Leghorn Cockerels
Zahoor-ul-Hassan*§, Muhammad Zargham
Khan, Ahrar Khan, Ijaz Javed1, Umer Sadique2
and Muhammad Raza Hameed
Department of Pathology, 1Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology, University
of Agriculture,
Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan; 2Department of Animal
Health, KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar-25120, Pakistan §Present
Address: Department of Animal Health, KPK Agricultural University
Peshawar-25120,
Pakistan
*Corresponding author:
zahoor82@gmail.com
Abstract
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 1-d-old male WL
chicks were divided into five groups (A-E). Group A, was kept as control, while
Groups B, C, D, and E were fed OTA-contaminated 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.
Key words:
Histopathology,
Male White Leghorn chicks,
Ochratoxin A,
Pathology, Serum biochemistry