The presence of aflatoxins in feed damages the liver of birds, which can affect productivity and have serious economic consequences. These lesions can be evaluated by the analysis of some biochemical blood parameters, which include alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), as well as the total protein and the hemoglobin levels.

Objective

In a trial conducted in broilers, the capacity of liver conditioner pronutrients to restores the liver function after being damaged by aflatoxins was evaluated.

Methodology

As an indicator of liver lesions, ALT levels were evaluated. This enzyme is present in high amounts in serum when there is an acute hepatopathy or any disease or disorder that causes severe liver damage.

Treatment groups

Results

Blood samples were taken on days 11 and 42, and the following results were obtained:

This table shows the results of the analysis of day 11 samples, which corresponds to the day when the liver was more damaged. Day 42 results correspond to liver regeneration: group 2 shows the effects of a natural regeneration, and group 3 shows accelerated regeneration thanks to the effect of the pronutrients.

Conclusions

ALT levels in groups 2 and 3 were higher than in the control (group 1) during the first stage of the trial. This is indicative of the liver damage caused by aflatoxin.

After changing the feed to a non-contaminated one, groups 2 and 3 showed a higher reduction of ALT, which is indicative of liver regeneration.  This decrease was much greater in group 3, because pronutrients accelerated liver regeneration, while group 2 shows the natural speed of liver regeneration.

Liver conditioner pronutrients are marketed under the comercial name Alquernat Livol, by Biovet S.A.