Changes in the coagulation profile of lambs intoxicated with aflatoxin in their feed

Twenty-three male lambs were intoxicated with 2.5 ppm aflatoxins in their feed for a period of 3 weeks. Thirteen lambs were maintained as a control group (0 ppm aflatoxins in their feed). The coagulation profiles were determined from blood samples that were obtained at 0, 7, 14 and 21 d during the intoxication period and at 1, 2, 4 and 8 d of an 8-d clearance period. Aflatoxicosis in the animals was characterized by an increase in prothrombin time (P < 0.01) from d 14 of the intoxication period until the end of the experiment. An increase (P < 0.05) in fibrinogen concentration was detected beginning on d 21, instead of the expected decrease. This was probably due to the inflammation found in the lungs of the intoxicated animals. No difference in activated partial thromboplastin time was found between intoxicated and control animals. These results suggest that there was a significant change in some coagulation factors of the extrinsic pathway in the intoxicated lambs and that prothrombin time determination could be used as an indicator of aflatoxicosis in lambs.