Efficacy of 'Toxiroak' (herbal preparation) on gross and histopathological observations in mycotoxicosis in broilers.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of a herbal product, ‘Toxiroak’ on experimentally induced mycotoxicosis (Aflatoxin B1 + Ochratoxin A @ 100 ppb each) in broiler birds. Hundred, day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group I served as control with normal feed. In group II, mycotoxicosis was induced by supplementing aflatoxin B1 @ 100 ppb and ochratoxin A @ 100 ppb. Toxiroak control group (group III) was provided with normal feed along with ‘Toxiroak’ from first day of experiment to evaluate its side effect, if any, and in treatment group (group IV), mycotoxin along with ‘Toxiroak’ from day first of study was given in feed. Birds were observed daily clinically and sacrificed on 23rd and 43rd days of study. Gross and histopathological changes of mycotoxicosis were markedly noted in group II birds as enlarged pale liver with rounded borders and friable consistency. Kidneys showed swelling with paleness and haemorrhages with distinct lobulation. Spleen showed mild enlargement with congestion. Bursa were regressed in most of birds. Microscopically, fatty change, lymphoid aggregation, bile duct hyperplasia and acinar pattern of hepatocytes were prominent finding in liver of group II birds. Kidneys showed cellular swelling, proteinaceous casts with focal lymphoid aggregation in renal parenchyma. Spleen showed depopulation of lymphocytes and fibrous tissue proliferation with thickening of splenic artery. In group IV, fed with mycotoxin (Aflatoxin B1 @ 100 ppb and Ochratoxin A @ 100 ppb) along with Toxiroak @ 1.25 gm/Kg from first day of experiment, the ameliorating effects were observed on gross and histopathological parameters in twenty birds, indicating the usefulness of herbal product in combating the mycotoxin induced liver and kidney damage.