Diets digestibility and metabolic balances of pigs fed diets containing aflatoxins

An experiment was conducted in order to investigate the digestibility of diets and metabolic balances of piglets fed diets containing 800ug kg-1 of aflatoxins. This study used eight with littermate barrows whith an average initial weight of 13kg, housed in metabolic cages in a semi-acclimatized environment. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with two treatments (control diet and control + 800ug kg-1 of aflatoxins) and four replications, with the animal as the experimental unit. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein and gross energy were not affected (P>0.05) by the addition of 800ug kg-1 of aflatoxins in the diet. The gross energy metabolization was 6% (P<0.05) higher when compared to the control diet. The N urinary losses increased (P<0.05) 52% and the retention related to absorption decreased (P<0.05) 31% in piglets fed diet containing aflatoxins. Concerning the energy balance, the gross energy digested was not influenced (P>0.05) by the addition of aflatoxins in the diet. Energy losses in urine increased (P<0.05) 52% in the pigs fed diets containing aflatoxins. The presence of an aflatoxin level of 800ug kg-1 in the diet did not affect the digestibility, but it altered the protein and energy metabolism of weaned piglets.

digestibility coefficient; nitrogen balance; energy metabolism