BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PROFILES IN INDUCED AFLATOXICOSIS OF COCKERELS

1. Experimental intoxication induced in cockerels with varying doses o f aflatoxin fed at the rate of 2.5 mu g, 5.0 mu g, and 10.0 mu g per g of food resulted in appreciable changes in blood biochemical profiles . 2. At all doses the aflatoxin caused decreases in serum total protei ns, albumin: globulin ratio, serum total cholesterol, serum calcium an d phosphorus and increases in serum globulins, alanine amino transfera se (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) concentrations. 3. No c hanges in serum bilirubin were observed. 4. Possible mechanisms for su ch blood biochemical changes are discussed and related to liver cellul ar damage caused by the aflatoxin toxicity.