Haemato-biochemical studies on experimental ochratoxicosis in broiler: Its amelioration by fruit powder of Tribulus terrestris and toxin binder alone and in combination

The study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Tribulus terrestris fruit powder (@ 1% of feed) and Toxin binder (Ingredient: Formulated Dipolar Phyllosilicates) (@ 1.5 gm/kg feed) given singly and in combination, in alleviating the toxic effects of ochratoxin A @ 800 ppb administered in broiler diet for 30 days. A total of 120 broiler birds were randomly divided into six equal groups, each comprising of 20 birds. Feeding of the OTA and its allied treatments commenced from 8th day of broiler age (after acclimatization period of 7 days; hence 8th day considered as 0 day). Haemato-biochemical parameters were studied on 15th and 30th days of the experiment. In OTA fed birds (group I), haematological studies revealed significant reduction in the Haemoglobin, Packed Cell Volume, Total Erythrocyte Count, Total Leucocyte count and significant increase in the heterophil count (heterophilia) and blood clotting time, observed at both the intervals of study, while eosinophil and lymphocyte counts showed non-significantly increased and decreased mean values, respectively, whereas basophil and monocyte counts remained unaltered throughout the study. Biochemical profiles revealed significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin and globulin, whereas significant increase in the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, BUN, uric acid and creatinine at both the intervals of study. However inclusion of T. terrestris (group IV) and toxin binder (group V) found to be effective in reducing toxic effects of OTA either singly or in combination of both. Further, combination of both the treatment (group VI) showed better improvement in all the altered haemato-biochemical values than their single treatment.