fungi recorded in imported feed samples with reference to control of T-2 toxicosis by antioxidant substances in chicks

ABSTRACT

Fifty samples of imported animal feed were evaluated for fungi and their toxins contamination. Nine genera and eight species of mould were isolated. The genus Mucor and Penicillium [66% and 65%] were predominantly isolated, followed by Aspergillus [40%]. Fusarium [20%] and Cladosporium [14%]. Belonging to genus Aspergillus, A. flavus was frequently isolated [28%] but F. graminearium was obtained only from 10% of Samples. Species of Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis and Alternaria were yielded from 4, 2 and 2% of samples respectively, T2-toxin [member of trichothecene] was detected in 30% of these samples with the mean amount of 60 ppb and aflatoxin in 20% with the mean amount of 3, 4 ppb, whereas ochratoxin A was gained from 14% of samples with mean level of 2.2 ppb, but Zearalenon and Fumonisin B[1] toxins were found in 6 and 2% with mean level of 22 and 70 ppb respectively. The induction of T-2 toxicosis in the broiler chickens and their elimination by dietary Vitamin E and/or selenium revealed that T-2 toxicosis significantly decreased the concentration of serum total protein, albumin and beta globulin and increased alpha and lambda globulins. Levels of total lipids, triglycerides, cholesterol and copper were significantly increased and levels of zinc, vitamin A and E were decreased. The groups of chicks given vitamin E and/or selenium in the T-2 toxic diet showed general improvement in most of biochemical findings which were altered due to T-2 toxicosis, where the levels of alpha, beta and lambda globulin were increased and a significant decrease in levels of total lipid, triglycerides and cholesterol were obtained. Also, the treatment of toxicated chicks with selenium and/or Vit. E produced significant alteration in levels of Vit. A and E, copper, zinc and sodium. The antioxidant effect of Vit. E and/ or selenium reduced the toxic effect of T-2 toxin but not inhibit it