Strain variation in 59Fe absorption during aflatoxicosis

Strain variation of iron absorption in response to dietary aflatoxin was studied using two commercial broiler strains and a nonselected randombred strain. Aflatoxin depressed chick body weights and increased mortalities in each strain. Hematocrits were significantly reduced in the commercial broilers receiving the toxin, but not in the randombreds. Aflatoxin reduced iron absorption in each strain regardless of the presence of anemia.