Evaluation of charcoal and honey as anti-aflatoxin feed additives in maize based broiler diets

摘要

Implications Addition of 2% charcoal into contaminated feed has the capacity of binding aflatoxins while 2% honey didnot prevent absorption of aflatoxins across the GIT but heals any lesions caused by toxicityIntroduction Recent trend in research for animal nutritionists has been directed to solving the issue of contamination ofanimal feeds with mycotoxins (AF) since they pose serious threat to both humans and animals (Zhang and Cauper, 2012).Several approaches have been employed in the research of aflatoxin decontamination. The use of charcoal has beenreported to be enterosorbent as it has the capacity to binds to several mycotoxins (Whitlow, 2006) due to its large surfacearea with negatively charged site. Wellford et al. (1978) reported that honey had an antifungal effect against Aspergillusflavus and Aspergillus parasiticus and stronger anti-aflatoxigenic effect. Honey has therapeutic potential against bothinternal and external lesions. This makes it a good ameliorating agent against the detrimental effects of AF on the organs ofbroiler birds. The study evaluated the use of cahrcaol and honey on gut morphology and organ attribute of broilers.