The Effects of T-2 Toxin in Broiler Chickens

T-2 toxin is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Fusarium and small concentrations have been reported earlier to cause severe oral lesions in chickens. Graded concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg./g.) of dietary T-2 toxin were given to groups of 40 broiler chickens. A total of 240 chicks were used in these experiments. The growth rate was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by concentrations of 4, 8, and 16 μg./g. but not by lower concentrations while the feed conversion ratios were unaffected by any concentration. The relative weight of the spleen was decreased and the relative weight of the pancreas was increased by the growth inhibitory concentrations. The bursa of Fabricius was reduced in relative weight by concentrations of 8 and 16 μg./g. while the relative weight of the crop was increased. The relative weight of the liver was unaffected as was its lipid content and its percent of dry matter; however, there was a dose-related increase in liver hematomas. The hemoglobin, serum proteins, serum cholesterol, serum total lipids, plasma glucose, and plasma uric acid were unaffected as were the capillary fragility, lateral shear strength of breast muscle, and liver acid phosphatase which is a marker enzyme of lysosomes. These data suggest that severe oral lesions which impair their ability to eat are the primary effect of T-2 toxin in chickens. Secondarily with greater concentrations, T-2 toxin exerts its systemic effects on the chickens.