The effect of aflatoxin B1 on the utilization of cholecalciferol by chicks

The official A.O.A.C. (1975) vitamin D3 chick assay of bone ash was used in a study of the effect of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on calcification and the utilization of cholecalciferol. U.S.P. vitamin D3 reference oil (D3) was mixed into the assay diet to give 0, 50, and 100 ICU D3/kg of diet. At each level of D3, AFB1 (Calbiochem) was mixed into the diet to give concentrations of 0, .5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20 ppm. Individual bone ash values were determined at 3 weeks of age. These bone ash values were evaluated by a multiple regression analysis for two independent variables. A highly significant regression equation demonstrated a significant interaction between AFB1 and D3 on bone calcification. The equation indicates that 1 ppm of AFB1 in the ration increases the D3 requirement of the chick by 8.84 ICU/kg of diet.