Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, is the most widespread mycotoxin in poultry feed worldwide. Long term-exposure from low to moderate DON concentrations can produce alteration in growth performance and impairment of the health status of birds. To evaluate the efficacy of mycotoxin-detoxifying agent alleviating the toxic effects of DON, the most relevant biomarkers of toxicity of DON in chickens should be firstly determined. The specific biomarker of exposure of DON in chickens is DON-3 sulphate found in different biological matrices (plasma and excreta). Regarding the nonspecific biomarkers called also biomarkers of effect, the most relevant ones are the impairment of the productive parameters, the intestinal morphology (reduction of villus height) and the enlargement of the gizzard. Moreover, the biomarkers of effect related to physiology (decrease of blood proteins, triglycerides, hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes and the increase of alanine transaminase (ALT)), immunity (response to common vaccines and release of some proinflammatory cytokines) and welfare status of the birds (such as the increase of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the stress index), has been reported. This review highlights the available information regarding both types of biomarkers of DON toxicity in chickens.
Highlights
The consumption of poultry meat has shown an increase from 2016 (116,845.36 thousand metric ton) to 2018 (120,884.63 thousand metric ton) [1]
The biomarkers of effect of DON toxicity in chickens highlighted in this review are productive parameters, organ weights, morphology of small intestine, biochemical and hematological parameters, biomarkers related to immune system, and biomarkers related to chicken welfare
Data reported by Yunus et al [77] indicated that feeding 12.20 mg/kg of DON contaminated diet to broiler chickens resulted in a reduced villus height in the duodenum and jejunum
Summary
The consumption of poultry meat has shown an increase from 2016 (116,845.36 thousand metric ton) to 2018 (120,884.63 thousand metric ton) [1]. The efficacy and safety of these feed additives has been proven through the evaluation of biological biomarkers related to mycotoxin toxicity in a target species [26]. In the scientific opinion focusing on the experimental design of in vivo studies on the efficacy and safety testing of mycotoxin-detoxifying agents, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has listed several relevant end-points for the different mycotoxins [28]. These end-points, named biomarkers of exposure, are those directly related to mycotoxin toxicity. This review may represent a useful tool for diagnosis of birds in the field
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
