Aflatoxicosis and Intrinsic Coagulation function in broiler chickens

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Toxicology
• Hematology

Background:

• Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus fungi.
• Poultry are susceptible to aflatoxicosis, which can affect various physiological systems.
• The impact of aflatoxin on avian coagulation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary aflatoxin on the intrinsic coagulation parameters of broiler chickens.
• To determine if aflatoxin affects specific coagulation factors involved in the intrinsic pathway.
• To assess the interaction between aflatoxin and the contact activation phenomenon in avian blood.

Main Methods:

• Broiler chickens were fed diets containing varying concentrations of aflatoxin (0 to 10.0 microgram/g) from day-old to 3 weeks.
• Whole blood clotting times and partial thromboplastin times were measured.
• Thromboplastin generation and activity of specific coagulation factors (VIII and IX) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Aflatoxin significantly increased whole blood clotting times at doses of 2.5 microgram/g and higher.
• Partial thromboplastin times were prolonged by the highest aflatoxin doses (5.0 and 10.0 microgram/g).
• Intrinsic coagulation activity was reduced by nearly 40% with the highest aflatoxin doses, affecting factors VIII and IX.

Conclusions:

• Chickens possess an intrinsic coagulation mechanism sensitive to aflatoxin exposure.
• Aflatoxin negatively impacts key components of the intrinsic coagulation pathway in broiler chickens.
• The contact activation pathway in avian blood appears refractory to the effects of aflatoxin.