Response of growing Leghorn chicks to deoxynivalenol-contaminated wheat.

Effects of feeding a deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated wheat diet containing 18 mg DON/kg were determined in male Leghorn chicks from 1 day to 12 wk of age. The data show that body weights were not adversely affected by the inclusion of the contaminated wheat in the diet. Relative gizzard weights were increased in the chicks receiving the contaminated wheat diet. Consistent significant differences were not observed for relative weights of other organs, serum chemistry, or minerals. A significant decrease in hemoglobin at 4 wk of age occurred, but this effect was transitory in nature; it was no longer present at 8 or 12 wk of age.