Efficacy of ginger and Nutritox^® in counteracting aflatoxin effects on white Pekin ducklings

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the anti-aflatoxin effects of Ginger and Nutritox® in white Pekin ducklings.

Design: Randomized experimental study

Animals: Ninty- one-day-old white Pekin ducklings.

Procedures: Ducklings were alienated randomly into six equal groups, each group in 3 replicates (each replicate, n=5). Control group G1) was fed on commercial broiler basal diet without any medications, while other experimental groups, namely 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were received diet containing: G2) basal diet (BD) + 300 ppb AF (aflatoxin); G3) BD + 300 ppb AF + 250 mg kg-1 Gr (Ginger); G4) BD +300 ppb AF +1gm/kg feed Nutritox®; G5) BD + 250 mg kg-1 mg/kg of B.W Gr; G6) BD + 1gm/kg feed Nutritox® during study (1-14) days respectively.

Results: Results showed that, addition of Ginger and Nutritox® ameliorated in different degrees the adverse effects of aflatoxin and improved growth performance and some serum biochemical parameters [Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. They hasten the recovery of antioxidant enzymes (MDA and GSH) in tissue to their normal levels during certain periods of our experiments. Histopathological liver changes run in the same track with biochemical results. Results revealed that administration of Ginger or Nutritox® in diet prevents and/or reduce some adverse effects of aflatoxin in ducks.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Our study indicates that ginger, an alternative natural product can provide protection against aflatoxin as Nutritox®.