Toxicological evaluations of cyclopiazonic acid and ochratoxin a in broilers

The individual and combined effects of ochratoxin A (OA) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) were evaluated in Petersen x Hubbard broiler chickens from 1 d t o 3 wk of age. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial with treatment s of 0 and 2.5 mg OA/kg feed and 0 and 34 mg CPA/kg feed. Production perfor mance, serum biochemistry, and gross pathological observations were evaluat ed. Body weight gain was reduced (P < 0.05) by OA, CPA, and OA-CPA in combi nation at the end of 3 wk. Ochratoxin A significantly increased the relativ e weight of the kidney and serum concentrations of uric acid and triglyceri des and decreased total protein, albumin, and cholesterol. The toxicity of CPA was expressed primarily through increased relative weights of the prove ntriculus and increased activity of creatine kinase. Exposure to OA-CPA was characterized by increased relative weights of the liver, kidney, pancreas , and proventriculus; decreased concentrations of serum albumin, total prot ein, and cholesterol; increased activity of creatine kinase; and increased concentrations of triglycerides and uric acid. Postmortem examination revea led that the chickens fed CPA or OA-CPA had thickened mucosa and dilated pr oventricular lumen. Data from this study demonstrate that OA, CPA, and the OA-CPA combination ran limit broiler performance and adversely affect broil er health. The interaction of the compounds was primarily additive or less than additive in the parameter in which the interaction occurred.