Effect of Sodium Bentonite in Broiler Chickens fed Diets Contaminated with Aflatoxin B1

In an in vivo study, Sodium Bentonite (SB) was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler chickens. In this study, 288 days old Ross male broiler chickens were used and randomly assigned to 9 treatment groups, with 4 replicates of 8 birds each. Three levels of Aflatoxin B1, AFB1 (0, 500 and 1000 ppb) and 3 levels of SB (0.0, 0.5 and 1.0%) were fed to chickens from 0-42 days of age. Feeding levels of AFB1 alone significantly decreased (p<0.05) feed intake, body weight and body weight gain, while, SB levels alone or in combination with AFB1, had no effect on the mentioned traits. No significant difference was seen for feed conversion ratio during periods of 0-42 days of age. In the diet containing AFB1, relative weight of the carcass, thigh and breast were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Adding AFB1 alone into the diets significantly increased (p<0.05) serum ALT, AST and LDH enzymes and decreased serum GGT enzyme (p<0.05). However, SB alone or in combination with AFB1 had no effect on the above mentioned enzymes. It is suggested that sodium bentonite at the levels of 0.5-1.0% might be used for reducing the adverse effects of aflatoxins in broiler chickens.