Aflatoxins (AF) are secondary fungal metabolites which severely depress performance in poultry. A trial was undertaken on broiler chicken to study the effects of AF (500 μg/kg) and to assess a biotechnologically derived product (BTP) comprised of culture extracts of toxin degrading microbes, antifungal agents, MOS and bio-antioxidants (Destrox^R) over hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) to combat aflatoxicosis. The experimental design consisted of T₁-basal diet; T₂-AF (500 μg/kg); T₃-AF (500 μg/kg) + HSCAS (1 kg/ton); T₄ and T₅-AF (500 μg/kg) with BTP 200 and 400 g/ton, respectively. The 42 day study revealed that, addition of neither HSCAS nor BTP did significantly improve body weight gain and feed intake over T₂. However, significantly (P<0.05) improved feed conversion ratio was observed in T₄ (2.017) against T₂ (2.150). All serum biochemical parameters were significantly altered in T₂ in comparison to T₁. A significant improvement was observed in total protein, albumin and ALT in T₃ and T₄ groups as compared to T₂. An improvement in dressing percentage (69.63% v/s 66.76%) and relative weight of liver, heart and spleen were observed in T₄ in comparison to T₂, while in T₃ the dressing percentage and relative weight of liver and spleen were increased. Higher mortality was observed in T₂ and it was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in T₃ and T₄. In conclusion, AF (500 μg/kg) found to significantly depress bird performance and addition of BTP @ 200 g/ton was found to moderately alleviate toxicity, while HSCAS and higher BTP level did not show any ameliorative effects.

Key words: Aflatoxin, Biotechnologically derived product, Broilers, HSCAS