Efficacy of synthetic zeolite to reduce the toxicity of aflatoxin in broiler chicks

Synthetic zeolites (NaX, NaY, NaA, and CaA) were evaluated in vitro for the ir ability to sorb aflatoxin (AF) B-1 from an aqueous solution. Zeolite NaA (ZN) was selected to be tested in vivo because of its high affinity and it s stable association with AFB(1). This sorbent was incorporated into diets (1%) containing 2.5 mg/kg AFB(1). Male broiler chicks from 21 to 42 d of ag e received ad libitum access to their respective diets and water. When comp ared with controls, BW gains were lower (P < 0.05) for broilers that were f ed AF in their diets. No differences were found between the BW gains of chi cks fed diets without AF and those of chicks fed AF Jr ZN, indicating almos t total protection against the effects caused by AF. Liver weights were con siderably higher in chicks fed a diet containing AF, compared with those of controls, nevertheless, no significant differences were found in feed:gain ratio among the groups. The findings of this research suggest that ZN can counteract some of the toxic effects of AF in growing broiler chicks.