Influence of ochratoxin a and zearalenone on some minerals, lipid profiles and tissue residues in laying hens

Abstract EN

A problem of anorexia, loss of weight, decrease in egg production, and cloaca hemorrhage with a high mortality rate (up to 30 %) in an intensive poultry farm for laying hens was recorded.

Serum analysis of 50 severely affected birds revealed significant changes in calcium and phosphorus levels.

Lipid profiles were also changed compared to their levels in control healthy hens.

Examination of kidney, liver and parts of the muscles for detection of ochratoxin and zearalenone residues showed presence of 43, 24 and 19 µg ochratoxin / kg tissue and 28, 12 and 10 µg zearalenone / kg tissue, respectively.

Analysis of diet samples taken from the offered and stock ration indicated their contamination with ochratoxin and zearalenone (20 and 64 ppm, respectively).