INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN-A STATUS ON THE RESPONSE OF CHICKENS TO AFLATOXIN-B1 AND CHANGES IN LIVER LIPID-METABOLISM ASSOCIATED WITH AFLATOXICOSIS

1 A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary retinol status on chickens ingesting aflatoxin B1. The effects of dietary supplementation with biotin and α-tocopherol were also examined. 2. Aflatoxin B1 levels greater than I mg/kg diet had a detrimental effect on ‘liveability’, body-weight gain, food intake and food conversion efficiency. When fed for more than 2 weeks aflatoxin increased relative liver weight and liver lipid concentration. These effects were less pronounced with avitaminotic A chickens. 3. A synergistic effect on hydropericardium development was observed between aflatoxin B, and retinol. This effect was not observed when the dietary level of α-tocopherol was increased tenfold. 4. The specific activities of certain hepatic lipogenic and amino acid-metabolizing enzymes were influenced by aflatoxin ingestion. A reduction in lipogenic enzyme activity was observed before a reduction in the activities of amino acid-metabolizing enzymes. 5. Liver fatty acid composition was significantly influenced by aflatoxin B1. The extent of these changes was reduced by the inclusion of additional dietary biotin. © 1979, The Nutrition Society. All rights reserved.