Evaluation of humoral immunity of broilers during chronic aflatoxin (50 and 100 ppb) and clinoptilolite exposure

In this study, total aflatoxin (AF) and a natural zeolite (clinoptilolite ; CLI) were added to the broiler feed and development of humoral immunity against Infectious Bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle Disease (ND) was evaluated. A total of 576 1-d-old Ross broiler chicks (96 per each) were housed in six treatment groups [Control, CLI (15 g/kg diet), 50 ppb AF, 50 ppb AF plus CLI, 100 ppb AF, 100 ppb AF plus CLI] and fed for 42 days. Compared to controls, the antibody titres of IB were determined significantly lower (p < 0.05) in 50 and 100 ppb AF fed chicks from 20 to 42 days of age. The ND titres were also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in 100 ppb AF fed chicks, while no significant differences were seen in 50 ppb AF group compared to controls (p < 0.05). The addition of CLI to the AF-containing diets (50 and 100 ppb) significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) the adverse effect of AF on humoral immunity. The single addition of CLI to the AF-free diet had no adverse effects in chicks, except the IB titres on 42nd day.