Abstract
In the present study aflatoxins were produced by fermentation of rice. The highest average concentration of
aflatoxins B1 was 763.157µg/ g of rice in those flasks having addition of trace metals. Broiler chicks of 7 days of
age were offered feed containing 0, 1600, 3200 and 6400 µg/ kg aflatoxin B1 for 7 days. Clinical signs in
intoxicated birds included depression, ruffled feathers, decreased interest in feed, increased water intake and soft
to watery feces. A significant decrease in body weight was observed in all groups which were in a dose related
manner and it was more severe in group fed 6400 µg/kg aflatoxins B1 in feed. Pathological lesions in birds of
treatment groups included pallor discoloration of liver and enlargement of liver and kidneys. Hemorrhages were
present on different organs of the body. Microscopically congestion of liver parenchyma, cytoplasmic
vaculation/fatty change of hepatocytes, necrosis of hepatocytes, newly formed bile ducts, mononuclear and
hetrophilic cell infiltration were observed in aflatoxin fed broiler chicks. Kidneys of aflatoxins B1 intoxicated birds
were enlarged and microscopically revealed degeneration and necrosis of tubular epithelial cells, congestion and
hemorrhages of the parenchyma. Present study revealed that all the clinical, gross and histopathological lesions
were dose related.
