A feeding trail was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the performance and blood enzymes of broiler chickens. In a randomized complete-block design with 4 blocks and 4 treatments, 112 day-old male broiler chicks were divided into 16 groups, 7 chicks per. Treatments consisted of three levels of AFB1 in starter diet (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 ppm) along with a control group (no AFB1). Feed intake and body weight gain were recorded on a weekly basis. On days 7, 14, 21, and 28, one bird from each replicate was weighed, and killed to collect the blood samples, and to weigh its proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum and pancreas, heart, liver, spleen, bursa of fabricius, and brain. Feeding AFB1 significantly decreased feed intake and body weight gain and increased relative weight of liver (p<0.05). Relative weight of brain decreased on day 7 and then showed a significant increase by day 28 (p<0.05). AFB1 significantly (P<0.05) increased serum activity of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) and decreased serum activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzymes. Generally, this study demonstrated that, alongside other negative effects, AFB1 could also have adverse effect on the brain of broilers.

Keywords: Aflatoxin B1, Performance, Blood enzymes, Internal organ weights, Broiler.

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