Effects of the trichothecene mycotoxin diacetoxyscirpenol on feed consumption, body weight, and oral lesions of broiler breeders

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of 4,15-diacetoxy scirpenol (DAS) on BW, feed consumption, and oral lesions of broiler breede rs. In Experiment 1, caged broiler breeder hens were fed 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg DAS/kg diet from 24 to 25 wk of age. There were dose-related decreases in BW and feed consumption indicating feed refusal, as well as dose-related in creases in the extent of mouth lesions. The areas of the mouth most sensiti ve to DAS were associated with the salivary glands and the tip of the tongu e. In Experiment 2, individually caged male and female broiler breeders were f ed a basal diet containing 0, 5, 10, or 20 mg DAS/kg from 25 to 27 wk of ag e. There were dose-related decreases in BW and feed consumption for the fem ale broiler breeders, whereas there was a decrease in feed consumption for the male broiler breeders at the 10 and 20 mg DAS/kg levels. In Experiment 3, male broiler breeders were fed 0 or 10 mg DAS/kg diet from 23 to 25 wk of age on a litter floor. For this experiment the daily intake of feed was restricted, and the feed consumption rate was measured. There was an increased amount of unconsumed feed at 23 wk of age due to the prese nce of DAS. In summary, the experiments provided evidence that DAS caused decreased BW and feed consumption as well as cytotoxic injury including oral lesions in broiler breeders.