Aflatoxin and immunity in layer hens

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Immunology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Poultry immunization is crucial for disease prevention in commercial flocks.
• Aflatoxins are common mycotoxins in feed that can negatively impact animal health.
• The effect of aflatoxin on the efficacy of prophylactic immunization in layer hens is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of dietary aflatoxin on the immune response of layer hens vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, and fowl cholera.
• To assess the effects of aflatoxin exposure on egg production, egg quality, and mortality rates in vaccinated layer hens.

Main Methods:

• 480 18-week-old White Leghorn chickens were used in the study.
• Hens were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, and fowl cholera.
• Aflatoxin was administered daily for 22 weeks at a dose of 200 parts/10(9)/hen.

Main Results:

• Aflatoxin significantly reduced antibody titers in vaccinated hens.
• Egg weight and egg production decreased, while mortality rates increased in challenged hens exposed to aflatoxin.
• Aflatoxin was detected in eggs at levels exceeding permissible limits.

Conclusions:

• Dietary aflatoxin compromises the prophylactic immunization efficacy in layer hens.
• Aflatoxin contamination poses a significant risk to poultry health, productivity, and food safety.