EFFECT OF DIETARY PROTEIN LEVELS ON AFLATOXIN - INDUCED HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS IN PIGS

Abstract

The influence of dietary protein levels on aflatoxin induced hepatocarcinogenesis inpigs was investigated. The pigs were given low and high levels of protein at 12 and 22 % and aflatoxin B, was administered at the rate of 25 ug/kg b.wt. for a period of 36 weeks. Four groups of animals were maintained; group I - aflatoxin Bi + ]sigh protect diet; group II - aflatoxin Bi +low protein diet; group III -high protein diet alone; group IV -low protein diet alone. Each group consisted of six animals. The pigs were sacrificed after one year of the commencement of experiment. Hepatic carcinomas was recorded in 66% of the animals that survived one year on high protect diet while