Experimental Aflatoxicosis Research Articles

The protective effects of Nigella sativa, thymoquinone and bentonite in experimental aflatoxicosis model in broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the preventive efficacy of black seed (Nigella sativa L.), thymoquinone and Na bentonite on biomarkers of tissue degeneration in the liver and other organs induced by aflatoxin (AF) in broilers. One hundred broiler chicks were divided into 10 equal groups and fed for 28 days. The animals received feed with 2 mg/kg total aflatoxin, Nigella sativa (NS; 5%), thymoquinone (TMQ; 300 mg/kg) and Na bentonite (BNT; 10 g/kg) both individually and in combination. At the end of the experiment, blood and liver tissue samples were collected. AF treatment significantly increased serum and liver 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG), serum transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and liver total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, whereas it significantly decreased liver TGF-β and serum TAC levels compared to the control. However, there were no changes in the serum and liver hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels from AF. Both individual and combined addition of NS, BNT and TMQ to AF-contaminated feed significantly improved liver 8-OHdG, liver TAC and serum TGF-β levels. Serum 8-OHdG levels were ameliorated only in the AF+BNT+TMQ group. In addition, the AF+BNT+NS and AF+BNT+TMQ groups showed significant improvement in liver 8-OHdG, liver TGF-β and liver TAC levels. We conclude that NS and TMQ supplementation to AF-contaminated feed may be beneficial against aflatoxicosis in broilers.

Pharmacological correction of white rats liver damage in aflatoxin B1 poisoning

Aflatoxin B1 is a hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic compound. It is one of the common mycotoxins that causes various pathological conditions in humans and animals such as acute and chronic liver damage, neurological disorders, neoplasms and reproductive disorders.The present work was aimed to study the preventive effect of a dietary supplement based on milk thistle flour, succinic acid, bentonite, probiotic strain B. subtilis, vitamins A and E in experimental aflatoxicosis of laboratory animals. The experiments were carried out on 24 white rats, divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups. The first group - biological control, the second group - toxic control, the third and fourth groups were given medications against mycotoxin. White rats were injected with aflatoxin B1 with food at a dose of 500 µg/kg for 10 days. The treatments effectiveness was assessed by clinical signs of experimental animals and hemato-biochemical analysis. The level of exposure to aflatoxin B1 was evaluated by the state of the liver. The use of a biologically active additive significantly reduced the toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on the animal organism, prevented a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin, leukocytes and erythrocytes, an increase in platelets, the activity of aminotransferases (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase and malonic daldehyde. There were no pathoana tomic changes in the internal organs of animals receiving a biologically active supplement.The results of the experiment indicate the high therapeutic efficacy of the biologically active additive used in aflatoxicosis, due to the multicomponent composition.

Evaluation of mycotoxin binder supplementation on production parameters and organ weights in Toulouse geese with experimental aflatoxicosis

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG 0.05%) in 40 day-old Toulouse geese from both sexes with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were reared from day one to 42 days of age on deep litter system and divided into four groups. Normal feed free of aflatoxin (AFB1), was given to the control (Group 1). The feed of Group 2 was supplemented with 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG, aflatoxin (0.5 mg/kg feed) was supplemented to the feed of Group 3 and Mycotox NG (0.05%) + 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 - to the feed of Group 4. Production parameters (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion) and relative organ weights were recorded. The results showed that the total feed intake, final live weight of Mycotox NG + AFB1 treated birds (Group 4) at 6 weeks of age were significantly increased (P<0.01) as compared to birds treated only with AFB1 (Group 3). The total feed conversion ratio of the group given AFB1 only (Group 3) at 6 weeks of age was significantly increased (P<0.01) compared to controls while in Mycotox Ng + AFB1 treated birds (Group-4) it was significantly increased (P<0.01) by post treatment week 1 vs controls, but not as compared to birds treated with AFB1 alone. There was a significant increase in relative weights of liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, pancreas, proventriculus and gizzard in birds fed only aflatoxin (Group 3). The co-administration of Mycotox NG (0.5 g/kg feed) with AFB1 (Group 4) reduced the relative weights of thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The study concluded that dietary supplementation of Mycotox NG could partially neutralise aflatoxicity in geese.

Influence on Mycotox® NG effects on relative weights of some internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimentally reproduced aflatoxicosis В1

Abstract. Contamination of poultry feeds with mycotoxins is a global problem faced by poultry industry due to increased demands and availability of poor-quality cereals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of a mycotoxin binder (Mycotox NG) on relative weights of internal organs in Pekin ducks with experimental aflatoxicosis. The birds were divided into one control and six experimental groups (n=10) as follows: group І (0 mg/kg AFB1 without Mycotox NG); group ІI (0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG); group ІІI (1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG); group IV (0.2 mg/kg AFB1); group V (0.4 mg/kg AFB1); group VI (0.2 mg/kg AFB1 + 0.5 g/kg Mycotox NG) and group VII (0.4 mg/kg AFB1 + 1.0 g/kg Mycotox NG). Trial duration was 42 days. It was established that ducks fed AFB1-contaminated feed had increased relative weights of liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, gizzard and proventriculus compared to the control group. At the same time, the relative weights of immunocompetent organs (thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius) were reduced. The addition of Mycotox NG to the feed contaminated with AFB1 compensated partly the changes in relative weights of visceral organs. The results from the present study demonstrated that the tested toxin binder could be effective for reduction of toxic effects of aflatoxins in domestic ducks.

Protective Effect of Urtica dioica Seeds’ Extract in Experimental Chronic Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens

Protective Effect of Urtica dioica Seeds’ Extract in Experimental Chronic Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens

Comparative consequences of two sources of aflatoxins in ducklings experimental aflatoxicosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two aflatoxins (AFs) sources for experimental induction of aflatoxicosis in ducklings. Dietary supplementation of aflatoxin-contaminated grounded rice grains previously was cultured by Aspergillus parasiticus and dietary supplementation of aflatoxin methanolic extract of contaminated rice grains. A total number of 18 four-day-old ducklings were treated with varying sources of AFs. Treatments included: A: Control (basal diet without AFs), B: Contaminated feed with 0.20 mg kg-1 AFs (ground rice grains), C: Contaminated feed with 0.20 mg kg-1 AFs (methanol extract of contaminated rice grains). Results showed a significant decrease in serum levels of total protein, albumin, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and creatinine. The serum’s hepatic enzymes levels were not affected in AFs-treated groups but lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration increased by the two AFs sources. The relative weight of the liver and spleen was significantly increased in AFs-fed groups. Histopathological liver examination showed the vacuolar degeneration with small and large lipid droplets in hepatocytes in the AFs- contaminated groups. Dietary AFs resulted in a significant decrease of villus height, villus width and villus surface area of the small intestine compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results showed that the induction of experimental aflatoxicosis via two investigated AFs sources had slight differences concerning the studied parameters. It seems the group consumed ground rice grains indicated slightly fewer aflatoxicosis symptoms than the methanolic extract.

Effects of licorice extract, probiotic, toxin binder and poultry litter biochar on performance, immune function, blood indices and liver histopathology of broilers exposed to aflatoxin-B1

Probiotics, toxin binders, and plant extracts improve health and immunity of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin. The effects of licorice extract (LE), Protexin probiotic, toxin binder (Agrabound), and poultry litter biochar (PLB) in experimental aflatoxicosis were evaluated. In a completely randomized design, 504 broiler chickens were allotted to 7 treatments and 6 replicates with 12 broiler chickens in each. The experimental groups were as follows: T1) basal diet (B) without any feed additive or aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); T2) B + 0.5 mg AFB1/kg; T3) T2 + 3 g LE/kg; T4) T2 + 6 g LE/kg; T5) T2 + 0.5 g Protexin/kg; T6) T2 + 1 g toxin binder/kg, and T7) T2 + 5 g/kg PLB. Broiler chickens fed AFB diet (T2) had lower body weight gain at the end of grower period and higher feed conversion ratio at the end of the finisher period, whereas inclusion of LE, probiotic, toxin binder, or PLB restores body weight of broiler chickens to that of the control group. Aflatoxicosis decreased total protein, TG, albumin, Ca, and P concentrations and greater uric acid concentration in broiler chickens as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). As compared with the T2 group, inclusion of 3 mg LE/kg increased serum total protein; inclusion of 3 mg LE/kg, probiotic, and toxin binder increased TG; inclusion of 3 and 6 mg LE/kg, probiotic, and PLB increased serum albumin; and the whole additive decreased serum uric acid of broiler chickens comparing with the control group. Lymphocyte percentage, avian influenza antibody titer, thymus relative weight, and immune response to phytohemagglutinin were decreased in the T2 group, whereas heterophil percentage and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were increased (P < 0.05). Aflatoxicosis increased breast meat malondialdehyde concentration, liver enzymes activities, and number of fat vacuoles (P < 0.05). As compared with the T2 group, all of the additives lowered alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine transaminase activities, breast meat malondialdehyde concentration, and liver pathological damages (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that all of the additives are capable to decrease the negative impact of AFB1 on broiler chickens' performance, blood indices, and immunity.

To Reduce the Effects of Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chicks Using Specific Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY)

Background : This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the specific egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) on reducing the defects of experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers. Materials and Methods : In a completely randomized design, a total of 128 Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in 4 treatments, 4 replicates and 8 observations (chicks) for 42 days. Treatments were: 1) control; 2) diet containing 1 ppm aflatoxin B1; 3) diet contaminated with 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 0.75 % of egg yolk containing IgY; 4) diet contaminated with 1 ppm aflatoxin B1 + 1.5 % of egg yolk containing IgY. Results : The results showed that the use of aflatoxin containing diet significantly increased the feed conversion ratio, serum cholesterol concentration, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Also, experimental aflatoxicosis resulted in reduced feed intake, weight gain, serum total protein and albumin concentrations (p<0.05); as well as the liver histopathologic lesions. IgY containing egg yolk (0.75% and 1.5%) added to the contaminated ration improved feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to treatment 2 (p<0.05). Compared to treatment 2, serum cholesterol concentration decreased while total protein concentration increased in treatments 3 and 4 (p<0.05). Liver tissue was approximately normal with mild effects on hepatocytes and mild cytoplasmic changes in chicks receiving treatments 3 and 4. Conclusion : It can be concluded that specific IgY is effective in reducing the defects of experimental aflatoxicosis as well as improving performance in broilers.

Aflatoxin induced renal toxicity in Albino rats and the ameliorative effect of green tea aqueous extract: Histological, Morphometric and Immuno-histochemical Study

Tea is the most common drink worldwide besides water. It is rich in antioxidant polyphenolic flavonoids. Further, it has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and autoantigen-inhibitory properties. To evaluate the effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of green tea against experimental aflatoxicosis on the renal tissues of adult male albino rats. Twenty five adult male rats were included and they were divided equally into 5 groups: Group 1 (aflatoxin group): the rats received aflatoxins (2.5 mg/kg diet for 15 days), group 2 (aflatoxins and green tea aqueous extract group) for 15 days, group 3, the rats received aflatoxins for 15 days and aqueous extract of the green tea for 30 days, group 4 (green tea aqueous extract group) and group 5(control negative group). Detailed non-traditional histological and morphometrical analyses for renal tissues stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's trichrome stain, Periodic Acid Schiff’s (PAS), Alizarin red S stains and immunohistochemical detection of Ki-67 were done. The main observed renal lesions in rats received aflatoxins were dilatation of the renal pelvis, increases in glomerular areas (GA), widening of Bowman's spaces and necrosis of the renal lining epithelium and proliferation of fibrous connective tissues. Morphometric analysis revealed the presence of significant difference between group I and the other experimental groups. Meanwhile, groups 2 and 3 revealed a significant improvement in the histological changes and decrease in most of parameters. The highest percentage of PAS positive reaction was significantly found in group 4. Quantitative analysis of positive reactions of Ki-67 revealed the highest positive immunohistochemical reactions were detected in group 1 which significantly different in groups 4 and 5. In conclusion, green tea has a protective effect against the adverse effects of aflatoxins on renal tissues evidenced by improvement of histopathological alterations and regulation of Ki-67 expressions.&#x0D;

Effect of probiotic on humoral immunity of broiler chickens vaccinated against Gumboro disease under experimental aflatoxicosis

Effect of probiotic on humoral immunity of broiler chickens vaccinated against Gumboro disease under experimental aflatoxicosis

Ameliorating aflatoxicosis in commercial broiler chickens by dietary Mycosorb: Heamato-Biochemical studies

A study was conducted to find out the ameliorating effect of dietary Mycosorb (esterified glucomannan, EGM) in experimental aflatoxicosis of broilers. For this purpose 270 number of day-old Anak 2000 chicks were procured and divided into 6 equal treatment groups. A control ration (T0) was prepared with conventional feedstuffs and an experimental diet (Tx) was prepared from this ration after incorporating aflatoxin (AF) @ 300 ppb produced on rice using Aspergillus flavus: NRRL 2999 strain through fermentation technology. From Tx three rations were prepared by mixing Mycosorb @0.025 per cent of feed (TxM1), 0.50 per cent of feed (TxM2) or 0.10 per cent of feed (TxM3). A positive control diet (T0 M2) was prepared by mixing Mycosorb @ 0.5 per cent in the control ration. All 6 diets were fed to the respective groups for a period 42 days. Significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced level of serum cholesterol and serum protein levels were observed in aflatoxin-alone fed group; whereas increase surge of glucose, triglyceride and activities of serum enzymes viz., serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase were recorded in the aflatoxin-alone fed group. However, the increased parameters were corrected to normalcy when Mycosorb was added in the contaminated diet, particularly at 0.1 per cent level. The study showed an ameliorating effect of dietary Mycosorb during experimental aflatoxicosis.

The Preventive Effects of Different Doses of Glucomannan on Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Japanese Quails

ABSTRACT This experimental study was performed to investigate whether there is a protective effect of different doses of Glucomannan using against aflatoxicosis in Japanese quail, and pathological changes and relative organ weights were compared. In the experiment, 60 one-day old male Japanese quails were used as divided into six different groups. Experimental groups were designated as Control(C), aflatoxin(A), glucomannan(GM), 2-fold dose of glucomannan(2GM), aflatoxin+glucomannan(A+GM) and aflatoxin+2-fold dose of glucomannan(A+2GM). While control group quails fed the standard ration as ad libitum, other groups were fed with the administrations additionally to standard diet respectively; 2mg/kg of aflatoxin to group A, 1g/kg of glucomannan to group GM, 2g/kg of glucomannan to group 2GM, 2mg/kg of aflatoxin and 1g/kg glucomannan to group A+GM, 2mg/kg of aflatoxin and 2g/kg glucomannan to group A+2GM. All quails were euthanized at day 21 of the study and organs, (liver, spleen, kidney, thymus and bursa of Fabricius) were removed, weighed and subjected to routine histopathological procedures. Although any important macroscopic changes were not observed in the C, GM and 2GM groups, significant pathological changes were found in the groups of A, A+GM and A+2GM. In the A+GM group, the partial reduction in the severity of microscopic lesions were seen in liver, bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen, however a significant reduction in severity of lesions was noticed in A+2GM group. As a result of the study, 2g/kg of glucomannan has been found pathologically to be more effective than 1g/kg glucomannan in terms of the protection against aflatoxicosis by giving orally.

Effect of Dietary Esterified Glucomannan on the Performance of Broiler Chickens During Experimental Aflatoxicosis

The amelioration effect of dietary esterified glucomannan (EGM) was studied in experimental aflatoxicosis using broiler chickens. Day-old chicks (n=270) were divided into 6 treatment groups, containing 45 numbers in each and the study was made in triplicates for 6 weeks. A control ration was prepared with conventional feedstuffs and an experimental diet was made from this ration after incorporating aflatoxin (AF) B1 at 300 ppb. From experimental diet, three rations were prepared by mixing EGM at graded levels i.e., 0.025, 0.05 or 0.10%; whereas, the positive control diet had 0.05% EGM. Significantly (P<0.05) higher BW gain was recorded in the control as well as positive control birds as compared to all treated groups. Toxin-alone fed group showed significantly lowest BW. Feeding of EGM could partially improve the BW of toxin fed broilers. The feed consumption in toxin-fed groups were significantly depressed; however, there was partial improvement due to the supplementation of EGM in their diets. The feed efficiency was also inferior in the toxin-alone fed group; however, when EGM was supplemented there was significant (P<0.05), though partial improvement. The cost of feeding per kg live weight was found to be lowest in control group whereas highest in toxin-alone fed group; nevertheless, dietary EGM reduced cost of feeding. The highest performance index was noted in control group whereas the lowest in toxin-alone fed group. Among the various treatments, 0.10 per cent of EGM gave the best results.

Effect of dietary esterified glucomannan (mycosorb) on carcass trait and organ weights in broilers exposed to experimental aflatoxicosis

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Mycosorb (esterified glucomannan) in counteracting induced aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers. The counteracting agent was fed at three graded levels, i.e. 0.025, 0.05 and 0.10 per cent in experimental aflatoxicosis by feeding of aflatoxin B1 @ 300 ppb. Results were compared with other 3 groups maintained under normal-, toxin-only- and mycosorb-only fed diets. Dietary aflatoxin significantly (P<0.05) depressed dressing, eviscerated and ready-to-cook yields in the aflatoxin alone fed group as compared to control counterpart. The condition was improved after addition of Mycosorb in diet on dose dependent fashion. The dietary aflatoxin significantly increased the relative weights of liver, gizzard, heart and proventriculus. However, their sizes were reduced towards normalcy as Mycosorb was incorporated in the toxin mixed feed. It is concluded that supplementation of Mycosorb at 0.1% in diets improved the carcass traits and organ weights of broilers exposed to experimental aflatoxicosis at a level of 300ppb.

Pathology of endocrine glands of layer chicken in experimental aflatoxicosis

A study was conducted to assess pathological changes in endocrine glands induced by 1 and 1.5 ppm dietary levels of aflatoxin (AF) in Athulya layer birds fed for 21 days. The control and AF fed layer birds did not show any clinical signs and mortality except for irregular areas of calcium deposits on egg shell surface. The histopathological alterations included basophil depletion and acidophil prominence in the pituitary and diffuse capsular thickening, hypercellularity of cortical areas and multiple cytoplasmic vacuolation of cortical cell in adrenal glands. The sections of thyroid gland showed pale and thinner colloid mass in the follicles and interfollicular congestion. The histopathological alterations in the present study could be attributed to indirect hepatotoxicity of AF.

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Histopathological and biochemical investigations of protective role of honey in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis.

BackgroundNatural honey (honey) is considered as a part of traditional medicine all over the world. It has both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, useful in stimulation of wounds and burns healing and gastric ulcers treatment. The aim of this study, for the first time, was to investigate the antioxidant properties and protective role of honey against carcinogen chemical aflatoxin (AF) exposure in rats, which were evaluated by histopathological changes in liver and kidney, measuring level of serum marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT)], antioxidant defense systems [Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)], and lipid peroxidation content in liver, erythrocyte, brain, kidney, heart and lungs.MethodsEighteen healthy Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: A (Control), B (AF-treated) and C (AF + honey-treated). While rats in group A were fed with a diet without AF, B, and C groups received 25 μg of AF/rat/day, where C group additionally received 1 mL/kg of honey by gavage for 90 days.ResultsAt the end of the 90-day experimental period, we found that the honey supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and the levels of enzyme associated with liver damage, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the AF + honey-treated rats. Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of honey is further substantiated by showing almost normal histological architecture in AF + honey-treated group, compared to degenerative changes in the liver and kidney of AF-treated rats. Additionally, honey supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defens systems and lipid peroxidation in content in other tissues of AF + honey treated rats.ConclusionThe present study indicates that honey has a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis due to its antioxidant activity.

Effect of Methionine Supplementation in Ameliorating Aflatoxicosis in Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of methionine (Met) in combating the experimental aflatoxicosis (AF) in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty, day-old broiler chicks were divided into six treatment groups containing five replicates of 8 birds each (T1: control; T2: T1+250 ppb AFB1; T3: T1+0.05% Met; T4: T1+0.1% Met; T5: T2+0.05% Met; T6: T2+0.1% Met) and the experiment was continued for 42d. During this period (0–6 weeks), the BW gain (BWG) of broilers in control group (T1) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of aflatoxin alone fed group (T2). The BWG in T3, T4 and T6 was statistically similar to that of control, however, the BWG in T5 was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of control (T1). Supplementation of 0.1% Met in AF contaminated diet significantly (P<0.05) improved the BWG. The overall feed intake (FI) in groups (T3, T4, T5 and T6) was statistically similar to that of control group (T1), however, the FI in group T2 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to control (T1). The overall FCR in AF fed group (T2) was higher (P<0.05) than that of control. The FCR in all other treatment groups was statistically similar to that of control group (T1) barring treatment T5. Feeding of AF increased (P<0.05) the relative weights of liver and spleen while decreased in weight of bursa. These effects of AF were ameliorated by supplementation of 0.1% Met. It was concluded that 250 ppb aflatoxin in broiler diet impaired the performance in terms of BW gain, feed intake, FCr and relative organ weights. Supplementation of 0.1% methionine to the aflatoxin contaminated diet had pronounced ameliorative effect on performance of the birds.

Evaluation of protective potential ofCajanus indicusin experimental aflatoxin toxicity in broilers

The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective potential of Cajanus indicus in experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers fed a diet containing aflatoxin (AF) and Cajanus indicus leaf powder (CLP) for 42 days. A total of 168 Vencobb day old broiler chicks were fed aflatoxin (1 ppm) and Cajanus indicus leaf powder (2 g/kg). Biochemically, AF induced broilers showed significantly increased aminotransferase activities, creatinine, uric acid and significant decrease in cholesterol along with marked hypoproteinemia. However, almost normalization of biochemical alterations in CLP treated broilers against aflatoxicosis suggests the protective and restorative role of Cajanus indicus. The enhanced level of tissue lipid peroxidase in AF-induced broilers was accompanied by significant decrease in the levels of reduced glutathione, tissue protein and insignificant decrease in catalase. Supplementation of CLP lowered the level of lipid peroxidation and enhanced the antioxidant status of broilers.

Evaluation ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae as an antiaflatoxicogenic agent in broiler feedstuffs

Aflatoxins (AF) are the most important mycotoxins produced by toxigenic strains of various Aspergillus spp. Biological decontamination of mycotoxins using microorganisms is a well-known strategy for the management of mycotoxins in feeds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains have been reported to bind aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of S. cerevisiae CECT 1891 in counteracting the deleterious effects of AFB1 in broiler chicks. Experimental aflatoxicosis was induced in 6-d-old broilers by feeding them 1.2 mg of AFB1/kg of feed for 3 wk, and the yeast strain was administrated in feed (10(10) cells/kg), in the drinking water (5 × 10(9) cells/L), or a combination of both treatments. A total of 160 chicks were randomly divided into 8 treatments (4 repetitions per treatment). Growth performance was measured weekly from d 7 to 28, and serum biochemical parameters, weights, and histopathological examination of livers were determined at d 28. The AFB1 significantly decreased the BW gain, feed intake, and impaired feed conversion rate. Moreover, AFB1 treatment decreased serum protein concentration and increased liver damage. The addition of S. cerevisiae strain to drinking water, to diets contaminated with AFB1, showed a positive protection effect on the relative weight of the liver, histopathology, and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, dietary addition of the yeast strain to drinking water alleviated the negative effects of AFB1 on growth performance parameters. In conclusion, this study suggests that in feed contaminated with AFB1, the use of S. cerevisiae is an alternative method to reduce the adverse effects of aflatoxicosis. Thus, apart from its excellent nutritional value, yeast can also be used as a mycotoxin adsorbent.