Sex and strain responses to aflatoxin B1 in the chicken

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of both continuous and single dose ingestion of aflatoxin B1 on Australian broiler chickens. Aflatoxin levels above 0.5 mg/kg diet decreased food intake and food conversion and retarded growth. The severity of the response and the ability of the birds to recover was dose related and dependent on the strain and sex of the chicken, males being more susceptible. Relative liver weight and liver lipid concentration were increased and significant changes occurred in liver fatty acid composition at this dietary level of aflatoxin B1. Mortality from a single dose of aflatoxin B1 occurred within 72 hours with an approximate LD50 of 15-18 mg aflatoxin B1/kg body-weight for the more susceptible male chickens.