The influence of vitamin A status on the response of chickens to aflatoxin B1and changes in liver lipid metabolism associated with aflatoxicosis

Abstract

1 A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary retinol status on chickens ingesting aflatoxin B1. The effects of dietary supplementation with biotin and α-tocopherol were also examined.2. Aflatoxin B1levels greater than I mg/kg diet had a detrimental effect on ‘liveability’, body-weight gain, food intake and food conversion efficiency. When fed for more than 2 weeks aflatoxin increased relative liver weight and liver lipid concentration. These effects were less pronounced with avitaminotic A chickens.3. A synergistic effect on hydropericardium development was observed between aflatoxin B, and retinol. This effect was not observed when the dietary level of α-tocopherol was increased tenfold.4. The specific activities of certain hepatic lipogenic and amino acid-metabolizing enzymes were influenced by aflatoxin ingestion. A reduction in lipogenic enzyme activity was observed before a reduction in the activities of amino acid-metabolizing enzymes.5. Liver fatty acid composition was significantly influenced by aflatoxin B1. The extent of these changes was reduced by the inclusion of additional dietary biotin.