Efficacy of modified montmorillonite nanocomposite to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin in broiler chicks

Effects of adding 3 g modified montmorillonite nanocomposite (MMN)/kg diets containing 0.1 mg aflatoxin (AF)/kg were determined in broiler chicks from 0 to 42 days of age. Compared to the control, AF alone significantly decreased BW gain and feed efficiency. However, no differences in BW gain and feed/gain ratio were found between the chicks fed 3 g MMN or 3 g MMN plus AF/kg treatment groups and the control group, indicating apparent protection against the deleterious effects caused by AF. Treatment-related changes in relative organ weights, hematological values, serum and liver biochemical values and enzymatic activities were also observed. Most of the parameters measured for the birds fed 3 g MMN/kg diet did not alter. The addition of 3 g MMN/kg AF-contaminated diet diminished the adverse effects of AF on most relative organ weights, hematological values, serum and liver biochemical values and enzymatic activities associated with aflatoxicosis. These findings suggested that MMN can effectively reduce the toxicity of A-F in broiler chicks and MMN can be a potential ameliorator of aflatoxicosis in broiler chicks. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.