To Reduce the Effects of Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chicks Using Specific Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY)

Background : This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the specific egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) on reducing the defects of experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers. Materials and Methods : In a completely randomized design, a total of 128 Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 observations (chicks) for 42 days.  Treatments were: 1) control; 2) diet containing 1 ppm aflatoxin B1; 3) diet contaminated with 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 0.75 % of egg yolk containing IgY; 4) diet contaminated with 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 1.5 % of egg yolk containing IgY. Results : The results showed that the use of aflatoxin containing diet significantly increased the feed conversion ratio, serum cholesterol concentration, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Also, experimental aflatoxicosis resulted in reduced feed intake, weight gain, serum total protein and albumin concentrations (p<0.05); as well as the liver histopathologic lesions. IgY containing egg yolk (0.75% and 1.5%) added to the contaminated ration improved feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to treatment 2 (p<0.05). Compared to treatment 2, serum cholesterol concentration decreased while total protein concentration increased in treatments 3 and 4 (p<0.05). Liver tissue was approximately normal with mild effects on hepatocytes and mild cytoplasmic changes in chicks receiving treatments 3 and 4.  Conclusion : It can be concluded that specific IgY is effective in reducing the defects of experimental aflatoxicosis as well as improving performance in broilers.