Effects of Aflatoxin on Kidney and Protective Effectiveness of Esterified Glucomannan in Ram.

In this study, the effects of total aflatoxin (AF) given orally on kidney in Merino rams were studied. In addition, this study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of an esterified glucomannan (EG) for protection against to aflatoxicosis. One year-old 32 Merino rams were divided into four equal groups. Rams were fed through the 92 days. Control group (C) fed with the commercial feed. AF group fed with commercial feed added 250 µg/day of total AF. EG group fed with commercial feed added 2 g/day of EG. AF+EG group fed with commercial feed added 250 µg/day of total AF and 2 g/day of EG. At the end of the 92 day after cessation of the animals, tissue samples were taken from the kidney in order to perform histological structure. Degeneration and spills in the tubular epithelial cells of kidney were observed in the AF group. Massive hyperemia was observed in the renal vessels. In conclusion, the adverse effects causing by aflatoxicosis on the kidney could be ameliorated by adding EG to the ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]