Impact of Ochratoxin Contamination on the Growth and Development of Broiler Birds Amidst the Global Food Crisis

Abstract

Ochratoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, often contaminating staple grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. These toxins pose significant health risks through dietary exposure. This study aimed to assess the effects of ochratoxins on the growth and development of broiler chickens, especially in the context of the ongoing global food crisis. We evaluated key growth parameters, including body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rate, using 30-day-old chicks separated into three (3) different groups including the control. The chicks were administered feeds contaminated with ochratoxins at concentrations of 0 ml, 0.6 ml, and 1.2 ml. Our analysis showed that as the concentration of ochratoxins increased, there was a notable decrease in weight gain and feed intake, accompanied by a deterioration in the feed conversion ratio and an increase in mortality rate. Specifically, significant variations (p<0.05) were observed across all parameters, with the highest concentrations of ochratoxins (0.6 ml and 1.2 ml) leading to adverse effects on the growth performance of the broiler birds. Mortality rates were recorded at treatment levels of 0.6 ml and 1.2 ml, highlighting the detrimental impact of higher ochratoxin levels on broiler health and productivity.

Country : Nigeria

1 Ekpo P. B.2 Abu G. I.3 Job I. E.4 Effiong N. M.5 Ekpo I. P.6 Ako E. E.

  1. Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  2. Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  3. Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  4. Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  5. Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Calabar, Nigeria
  6. Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria

IRJIET, Volume 8, Issue 9, September 2024 pp. 119-130

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2024.809015

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