Abstract
ABSTRACT. Keller K.M., Oliveira A.A., Almeida T.X., Keller L.A.M., Queiroz B.D., Nunes L.M.T., Cavaglieri L.R. & Rosa C.A.R. [Effect of yeast cell wall on the performance of broiler chickens intoxicated with aflatoxin B1 ]. Efeito de parede celular de levedura sobre o desempenho produtivo de frangos de corte intoxicados com aflatoxina B1 . Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 34 (2):101-105, 2012. Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rodovia BR 465 km 7, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brasil. Email: kelly.medvet@gmail.com Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by several filamentous fungi, which are toxic to animals and humans by contact, inhalation and ingestion mainly. Aflatoxins are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Its presence is of great concern to the poultry industry due to problems such as decreased productivity and damage to the poultry carcass. Adsorbents based on the yeast cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have esterified glucomannans, and are able to adsorb several mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a yeast cell wall (anti-mycotoxin additive) on the performance of broiler chickens intoxicated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1 ) until 21 days old. The addition of 1.01 mg kg-1 (ppm) of AFB1 in the diet of broilers in this study could affect negatively body weight, weight gain and feed consumption after 7 days old, and under the same experimental conditions the yeast cell wall (0.2%) used as an anti-mycotoxin additive reversed such effects. More studies should be conducted to better clarify the mechanism of action of these additives in animal production.