TOXICITY STUDY OF FUNGAL INFESTED RAGI STRAW IN RATS
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Date
2022
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KARNATAKA VETERINARY, ANIMAL AND FISHERIES SCIENCES UNIVERSITY, BIDAR
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the toxicity of fungal-contaminated
ragi straw in rats. Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae were the isolated fungi in
the fungal-contaminated ragi straw samples. Potato dextrose (PD) broth myceliumfree
culture filtrate obtained by these fungi, analyzed for mycotoxins by HPLC-FLD
(High Performance Liquid Chromatography-with Fluorescence Detector) method,
detected aflatoxin B1 at concentration 279.0 μg/kg. The ragi straw feed sample
revealed aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 at trace concentrations. Repeated dose 28-day
oral toxicity study (as per OECD 407 guidelines) was conducted in three groups (n=
10 per group) Wister rats of both sexes. Mixed fungal culture filtrates (1:1 ratio) were
gavaged in doses of 0.5 (Low dose), 1(Medium dose) and 2 ml (High dose)/100g of
body weight in Group I, II and III respectively and were monitored for signs of
toxicity. Body weights were recorded and blood samples were taken on day 0, 14th
and 28th for haematological and biochemical parameters analysis. There was
significantly (p<0.05) decrease in Hb, PCV and TEC. Blood clotting time , AST,
ALT, BUN, creatinine were significantly (p<0.05) increased in Group II, III. Gross
and histopathological abnormalities correlated with the fungal culture filtrate's
hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. It was concluded that the fungal
culture filtrate was toxic to rats, which was linked to the existence of a toxic
component, feeding of such fungal contaminated ragi straw might adversely affect
the cattle health in terms of reduced production and performance.
Key words: Ragi straw, Toxicity, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus oryzae, Rat.