ROLE OF MYCOTOXINS IN REPRODUCTIVE FAILURES IN EXTENSIVE POULTRY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Through vast field observation and quantitative analysis, this paper focuses on the role of mycotoxins in reproductive failures in large-scale chicken systems.  Samples of feed, reproductive performance, hormone profiles and physiological indicators were collected and analyzed on 15 farms across a range of climate zones over a year.  Aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, mycotoxins were extremely prevalent, and the level of contamination varied according to the temperature-humidity index (THI) of the season.  Reproduction performance decreased tremendously in groups that had higher concentrations of mycotoxins. As an illustration, the conception rates decreased by 92 to 75 percent and hatchability decreased by 89 to 66 percent.  Hormonal assays revealed large decreases in estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH levels. This implies that reproductive issues are primarily endocrine disruptive.  Elevated liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress further proven systemic physiological compromisation.  Multiple linear regression Model aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A and DON, were marked as important independent predictors of reproductive failure (p<0.001). The logistic regression revealed that the odds of reproductive failure were four times higher when the aflatoxin B1 levels exceeded 20 ppb.  Co-contamination was high with over 60 percent of samples showing multiple mycotoxins.  These findings demonstrate that the implications of mycotoxin challenge on the reproduction of poultry in large-scale facilities can be quite complex and diverse. They also demonstrate the significance of the presence of integrated monitoring and mycotoxin reduction and climate-adaptive management practices