Safety evaluation of trichoderma harzianum fungus as a feed stuff for rats

ABSTRACT

The fungal protein product was given to the rats by oral administration in two doses, 200 and 400 mg per rat per day. Two experiments were done to investigate any possible toxic effects on the internal organs the reproductive performance of pregnant rats and their embryonic development. Paraffin sections from the liver. Kidney, large intestine, uterus and testis were stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as periodic acid Schiff. Embryos were similarly processed. All investigated organs showed normal architecture. PAS steined the basement membrane, the glycogen and mucin present in these organs. The reproductive performance of the pregnant rats revealed no significant changes in the weight and number of the foetuses in both the control and tested rats. No abortions were reported. Cross sections of embryos showed normal histology. From the previous investigations, it was concluded that the fungal protein product have no toxic effects and could be used safely for feeding purposes if given in limited doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg per 100 g body weight