Evaluation of dietary rapeseed protein concentrate flours in rats and dogs.

Graded doses of dietary aflatoxin (1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/g) fed to broiler chicks for 3 weeks did not affect subsequent in vitro absorption of methionine and glucose by the intestine, compared with contol birds receiving no aflatoxin. A dietary level of 10 μg/g produced a significant increase in the absorption rate of both nutrients. Inhibition studies showed that both the mediated and diffusion components of absorption were increased with 10 μg/g. A prolonged exposure to aflatoxin was necessary for the effect since birds fed toxin for 1 week only (2 to 3 weeks of age) absorbed methionine and glucose at the same rate as controls receiving no aflatoxin.