Effect of dietary esterified glucomannan on performance of broilers exposed to afl a toxin

Effect of esterified glucomannan (E-GM), a new generation toxin binder enzymatically extracted from the cell wall of certain stains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in counteracting the deleterious effects of aflatoxin in broiler chicken was investigated. Broilers fed 1ppm aflatoxin-B1 recorded significantly (P<0.05) poor weekly weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency and liveability. Addition of E-GM as a feed additive, in general, in diets free of aflatoxin had no adverse effect on weight gain, feed consumption and feed efficiency except during second week. Addition of E-GM in birds exposed to aflatoxin significantly (P<0.05) counteracted the ill effects on weight gain and feed consumption, while the feed efficiency was restored to normal. High mortality in broilers caused by aflatoxin, was slightly reduced by the addition of E-GM.