Evaluation of the efficacy of bentonite from the south of Argentina to ameliorate the toxic effects of aflatoxin in broilers

In vitro studies indicated that a sodium bentonite (SB) from southern Argentina had a high ability to sorb aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) from aqueous solution. We evaluated this compound for its ability to reduce the effects of total aflatoxins (AF; 5 mg AFB(1)/kg) in the diet of growing broiler chickens from 30 to 52 d of age. The diets were amended with 0.3% Argentinean SE to determine the effect of this compound during aflatoxicosis. When compared with the controls, BW gains were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for broilers fed diets containing AF alone (1,865 vs. 1,552 g). No differences were found between the BW gains of broiler chickens fed diets without AF (1,785 g) and those of chickens fed AF + SE (1,809 g). These results suggest that effects of AF treatment were ameliorated when SE was used in the broiler chick diets. The AF significantly (P < 0.05) decreased feed efficiency. Liver, kidney, and pancreas relative weights increased in chickens fed the diet containing AF alone. Alterations in the levels of serum total protein, albumin (ALB), and globulins (GLOB) were observed for AF diets, and moderate protection was provided by the sorbent. The ALB:GLOB ratio decreased in both groups of birds fed with the AF-contaminated diet, and we observed a moderate increase in this ratio by 0.3% addition of SE. The histopathological findings in liver sections of broiler fed diets with AF + SB indicated a nonprotective effect of this adsorbent, because a moderate hepatic steatosis was observed.