Heath hazard of aflatoxin B1 and G1 in pregnant rats and the subsequent performance of their foetuses

ABSTRACT

The health hazard of aflatoxins was studied in pregnant albino [Wistar] rats. A mixture of equal amounts of aflatoxin B1, and G1 were given by oral administration [1 mg] to 3 groups of five rats each. The first group was fed on day 10 of pregnancy, the second group on day 15, and the third group was given the mixed aflatoxin on day 20 of gestation. The clinical symptoms expressed by the rats following the consumption of the aflatoxin were recorded. The average fetal weight of the fetuses of the control group of rats at the day of birth was significantly [P <0.01] higher than those fetuses belonging to the aflatoxin-fed rats and continued to be so with fetuses of the first and second groups up to the age of weaning. The fetuses of the third group resumed their growth rate close to normal 12 days after birth. The public and animal health hazard due to direct and indirect exposure to aflatoxins and their metabolites are also discussed