Efficiency of sepiolite in broilers diet as uranium adsorbent

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Toxicology

Background:

• Phosphate mineral products in animal feed can introduce uranium into the food chain.
• Uranium contamination poses a risk to animal health and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of natural and acid-treated sepiolite against uranium toxicity in broilers.
• To determine the impact of these adsorbents on uranium distribution and organ health.

Main Methods:

• Broilers were orally administered uranyl nitrate for seven days.
• Natural sepiolite and acid-treated sepiolite were administered via gastric tube post-uranium exposure.
• Uranium distribution in organs (kidney, liver, brain, muscle) was measured.
• Histopathological examination of intestinal villi and kidney tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• Natural sepiolite significantly reduced uranium distribution: 57% in kidney, 80% in liver, 42% in brain, and 56% in muscle.
• Acid-treated sepiolite showed a lower protective effect and caused intestinal villi damage (shortening, fragmentation, necrosis).
• Acid-treated sepiolite also led to kidney lesions (edema, tubular epithelial cell abruption), even without uranium exposure.

Conclusions:

• Natural sepiolite is a safe and effective agent for reducing uranium accumulation in broiler organs.
• Acid-treated sepiolite poses risks of toxicity, causing significant damage to the intestinal and kidney tissues.
• Careful selection of adsorbents is crucial for mitigating heavy metal contamination in animal feed without causing adverse health effects.