Effect of diatomaceous earth on the performance and blood variables of broiler chicks during experimental aflatoxicosis

BACKGROUND: Diatomaccous earth (DE) is a type of tectosilicate found in large quantities in Iran. It is possible that this compound can absorb mycotoxins. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of DE on experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. In four treatments of four replicates, 160 one-day-old Hubbard male chicks were subjected to two levels of aflatoxin B, (AFB(1)) (0 and 1.0 mg kg(-1)) and DE (0 and 30 mg kg(-1)) RESULTS: Body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and productive efficiency index were adversely affected in the chicks treated with AFB(1). Weight of heart was significantly decreased (20.3%) by AFB(1) (P < 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, and the activity of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were decreased by AFB(1). DE significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight gain (9.51%), feed intake (7.44%), and improved feed conversion ratio (2.08%) as well as productive efficiency index (5.48%) in the birds that subjected to AFB(1) DE also increased serum albumin (22.6%), and the activity of serum LDH (44.4%). CONCLUSION: DE might be beneficial in reducing toxic effects of AFB(1) in broilers. It is possible to include DE as an alternative to other mycotoxin binders at levels of 30 mg kg(-1) in the diets on offer to broilers between the ages of 1 and 42 days. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.