Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
M Sasikala, P Srinivasan, V Gowthaman, K Sukumar and A Raja

Abstract:
The reproductive system of female layer chicken was targeted and damaged by many various mycotoxins which results in drop in egg production. Mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin causes drop in egg production by causing damage in hepatic parenchyma and tubular glands of oviduct. The present study was undertaken to identify the level of toxin, pathomorphological and apoptotic changes in oviduct of commercial layer chicken with drop in egg production. Feed samples from various layer flocks with drop in egg production were submitted for toxin analysis and representative tissue samples from dead birds were collected in 10% NBF for histopathology and apoptosis. Out of 71 flocks, the AFB1 and AFB2 was detected in 6 flocks and the level of AFB1was 10-20 ppb and AFB2 was 8-10 ppb were identified. The clinical signs of mild anorexia and drop in egg production (9-17%) were observed. The external and internal quality of egg were also affected. Post mortem lesions observed were ascites, more number of atretic follicles and a marked atrophy of oviduct. Histopathologically, ovarian follicles showed degenerative changes and follicular atresia. The oviduct showed hypoplasia of tubular glands with degenerated glandular epithelial cells. The apoptotic cells were more in isthmus and uterus and minimum in infundibulum, magnum and vagina.