Search for lesions due to aflatoxin-B1 contamination of feed in three industrial hen farms in Cote-d’Ivoire

Abstract

A systematic search for feed contamination by aflatoxin-B1 as well as for lesions indicating an acute or chronical aflatoxicosis was made in three groups of industrially raised hens in Cote-d’Ivoire. The contamination rates were low although they were 6 to 10 times higher than the official standards. No lesion due to an acute or chronical intoxication by aflatoxins was observed. However, the repeated intake of small amounts of aflatoxins might eventually have repercussions on the technics-economical performance either by a direct action of the toxin or via the development of an immune depression in the animals.