Description:
Research was conducted to study dose-dependent effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on laying duck. AFB1 contaminated-corn (AFC) was added into diet to achieve levels of AFB1 of 0; 25; 37.5; and 50 ppb. Sixty four of 6 months Alabio laying ducks were randomly assigned into 4 groups of AFB1 levels in the diet. Treatment was conducted for 60 days and at the end of treatment final body weight were recorded and the birds were sacrificed. Meat and liver samples were collected for AFB1 and Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) determination. Meanwhile, egg weight and egg production were recorded since last 15 days of treatment, and egg samples laid at last day were analysed for AFM1 concentration. AFB1 and AFM1 were analysed using ELISA tests. Results showed levels of AFB1 contamination significantly (P < 0.05) reduce body weight gain and egg production. AFB1 levels from 25 until 50 ppb resulted on aflatoxins residue in egg, meat and liver of laying duck. These levels of residues were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by level of AFB1 contamination in the diet. In conclusion, AFB1 exposure on laying duck through AFC inclusion reduced body weight and egg production, and resulted aflatoxins residues in egg, meat, and liver of laying duck.
Keywords: aflatoxin, aflatoxin residue, laying duck, duck performance