Use of Use of Milk Thistle to Reduce Aflatoxin Poisoning in Pigeons (Columba livid)

摘要

White Carneaux pigeons (Columba livid) fed milk thistle (0, 1x, or 10x human requirement), and challenged with B1 aflatoxin (3 mg/kg body weight) were used to study an alternative treatment regimen for liver disease in pet birds. Liver pathology, hepatobiliary scintigraphy, and complete blood profiles were compared before and after aflatoxin challenge. Serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), bile acids, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly lower among birds receiving milk thistle as compared to controls after exposure to aflatoxin.