Mycotoxins in cereal grain. Part VI. The effect of ochratoxin A on growth and tissue residues of the mycotoxin in broiler chickens

Eight weeks experiment on effects of continuous feeding of mycotoxin graded levels (0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0 mg ochratoxin A (OA) per kilogramme of feed) to male and female broiler chickens was carried out. Birds' mortality was similar in all groups including control. Macroscopical veterinary examination did not reveal any changes in livers and kidneys. Males were found to be more sensitive to OA than females. The depression of body weight was found to be proportional to level of OA. The reduction of body weight of males (30%) was more significant than that of females (20 %). Feed consumption per one kilogramme of body weight was dependent on OA concentration in feed. In livers and white muscles of birds fed 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 mg OA/kg feed and in red muscles of birds fed 1.5 and 2.0 mg OA/kg feed residues of OA were observed. OA disappeared completely from all mentioned tissues after 4 days when birds were fed with OA free feed.