Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and esterified glucomannan on residues of Ochratoxin A in kidney, muscle and blood of laying hens

The in vivo capability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), and of an esterified glucomannan (EGM) to reduce the oral bioavailability of ochratoxin A (OTA) added to a basal diet for laying hens was checked over a 12 week period. The residues of OTA in kidney, muscle and blood were studied. Eighty-four Isa Brown laying hens were divided into 6 experimental groups, fed 6 different diets: 0-0: basal diet; EGM-0: diet supplemented with 0.2% EGM; SC-0: diet supplemented with 0.2% SC; 0-OTA: diet supplemented with 0.2 ppm OTA; EGM-OTA: diet supplemented with 0.2% EGM and 0.2 ppm OTA; SC-OTA: diet supplemented with 0.2% SC and 0.2 ppm OTA. During the trial feed and water were provided ad libitum and all the animals were clinically observed. At the end of the experimental period and immediately before the hens were euthanized, blood samples were collected; kidneys, and muscle were sampled. The ochratoxin A was checked using a HPLC flourometric method. During the trial all the hens were healthy. All the biological matrices of the OTA administered hens were positive to the mycotoxin; the recorded levels were very low and decreased in the order: kidneys > blood > muscle.