Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene protects against aflatoxicosis in Turkeys

Turkeys are among the most sensitive species to the toxic effects of the mycotoxin aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)). In mammals, dietary antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), have been shown to lessen the toxic effects of AFB(1) by various mechanisms. To test whether BHT protects against aflatoxicosis in turkeys, we supplemented the feed of 10-day-old male white turkeys with low (1000 ppm) and high (4000 ppm) BHT for 20 days. AFB(1) (1 ppm) was then added to the diets and continued for another 10 days. Birds in the AFB(1)-only group had a lower weight gain, a condition that had returned to near control in groups fed diets containing AFB(1) + BHT. Significant elevations in serum aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, which were evident in the AFB(1) group, were reversed in the AFB(1) + BHT groups. Histopathology revealed hepatic submassive necrotic lesions and biliary hyperplasia, the severity of which was lessened in the AFB(1) + BHT-treated birds. Hepatocellular hydropic degeneration was observed in the BHT-only group, but not in the AFB(1) + BHT groups. This condition associated with BHT treatment was found in a separate study to be reversible and without any long-term adverse effects. These results indicate that BHT counteracts many of the deleterious effects caused by AFB(1) and that this antioxidant may prove to be a viable feed additive for the reduction of aflatoxicosis in turkeys.