Blood biochemical profiles in induced aflatoxicosis of cockerels.

ABSTRACT

1. Experimental intoxication induced in cockerels with varying doses of aflatoxin fed at the rate of 2.5 micrograms, 5.0 micrograms, and 10.0 micrograms per g of food resulted in appreciable changes in blood biochemical profiles. 2. At all doses the aflatoxin caused decreases in serum total proteins, albumin globulin ratio, serum total cholesterol, serum calcium and phosphorus and increase in serum globulins, alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) concentrations. 3. No changes in serum bilirubin were observed. 4. Possible mechanisms for such blood biochemical changes are discussed and related to liver cellular damage caused by the aflatoxin toxicity.