Aflatoxicosis in Poultry: A Comprehensive Guide to Liver Damage and Feed Management
1. Introduction: The Invisible Threat Aflatoxicosis is considered one of the most important non-infectious diseases in the world poultry industry. It is caused by the ingestion of toxic metabolites called Aflatoxins produced by the fungi * Aspergillus flavus * and *Aspergillus parasiticus*. Unlike other infectious diseases like viral and bacterial diseases, Aflatoxicosis is a silent threat because it does not cause a sudden outbreak of death among the birds but gradually destroys the internal organs of the birds, specifically the liver, causing a huge loss to the farmers of Pakistan. 2. The Chemistry of Aflatoxins There are various types of Aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Among these, the most toxic and dangerous to poultry is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This toxin is highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic in nature. After the ingestion of contaminated corn, cottonseed meal, or soybean meal, the toxin metabolizes into highly reactive epoxide in the liver of the bird. 3. Why is it a Prob...