Aflatoxicosis in Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) Chicks
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Date
2013-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
TANUVAS, Chennai
Abstract
The study was conducted in the emu chicks reared at Emu Research Unit, Regional
Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University,
Pudukkottai during the year 2011. Emu chicks were kept in the brooder with a
floor space of 4 sq.ft/chick. Emu chicks were offered emu starter mash from 5th day
onwards and water ad libitum. Chicks were showing gradual loss of appetite,
lethargy, loss of weight, depression and ruffled feathers from 13th day onwards.
Two emu chicks died on subsequent days at the age of 17 and 21 days. Haemorrhage
in the subcutis of the thigh region, enlarged liver with mottled and friable in
consistency, distended pericardial sac with amber coloured fluid and congested
intestinal and tracheal mucous membrane were recorded in the necropsy.
Histologically, diffuse severe vacuolar changes of hepatocytes, congestion of
epicardium with multifocal mild sub-acute epicarditis and diffuse mild congestion
of trachea were observed. The feed sample was analysed for aflatoxin and it
contained aflatoxin B1-45ppb and aflatoxin B2-20ppb. From this study, it can be
concluded that aflatoxins in the feed caused death in the emu chicks after 13 and
17 days of feeding.
Description
Keywords
Veterinary Science, Poultry Science