Effects of Nano-Composite Adsorbents on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, and Organ Weights of Broilers Fed with Aflatoxin-Contaminated Feed

Effects of potassium diformate on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal microflora in Cherry Valley ducks

This study was performed to investigate the effects of potassium diformate (KDF) on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal microflora of Cherry Valley ducks. In total, 144 female healthy 1-day-old Cherry Valley ducks were divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 8 ducks per replicate according to the principle of similar body weight. The control group was fed a basic diet. In the 2 experimental groups, 0.8% and 1.2% KDF was added to the basic diet, respectively. The trial period was 6 wk and the pretrial period was 3 wk. The final weight and ADG were significantly higher in the 0.8% KDF group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The feed-to-gain ratio was significantly lower in both KDF groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP was significantly higher in both KDF groups than in the control group (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of calcium was also significantly higher in the 0.8% KDF group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and total protein were significantly lower in the 0.8% KDF group than in the control group (P < 0.05), the IgM content was significantly higher (P < 0.05), the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea levels were significantly lower (P < 0.01), and the glucose level was significantly higher (P < 0.01). The serum total protein level was significantly higher in the 1.2% KDF group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Patescibacteria in the gut of ducks was significantly higher in the 0.8% KDF group than in the control group (P < 0.05), the relative abundance of unclassified Erysipelotrichaceae and Lactobacillus was significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the relative abundance of Fusobacteriota was significantly lower (P < 0.05). However, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the gut of ducks was significantly higher in the 1.2% KDF group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of unclassified Erysipelotrichaceae and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly higher (P < 0.01), as was the relative abundance of Fusobacteriota and Proteobacteria (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the addition of 0.8% KDF to the diet can improve the growth performance of Cherry Valley ducks, promote the absorption of nutrients, change the structure of the microflora in the cecum, and increase the relative abundance of dominant bacteria. It was also shown that there was a significant difference between the 0.8% and 1.2% KDF levels which suggest that the safety margin for overdosing is quite low.

Effects of dietary supplement of ε-polylysine hydrochloride on laying performance, egg quality, serum parameters, organ index, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota and volatile fatty acids in laying hens

BACKGROUND

ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PLH) is a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide extensively utilized in the food and medical industries. However, its impact on animal husbandry remains to be further explored. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of ε-PLH on laying hens' health and laying performance.

RESULTS

Dietary supplementation with ε-PLH to the diet significantly increased average egg weight during weeks 1-8. Meanwhile, compared with the control group, supplementation with ε-PLH decreased the feed egg ratio during weeks 9-12 and egg breakage rate during weeks 9-16 ，whereas it increased eggshell strength during weeks 1-4 and 13-16 . The ε-PLH 0.05% group increased yolk percentage during weeks 5-8 and yolk color during weeks 1-4 . Furthermore, ε-PLH supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin and reproductive hormones estradiol, as well as decreased interleukin-1 beta and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the control group, supplementation with 0.05% ε-PLH significantly increased the relative abundance of Cyanobacteria and Gastranaerophilales and decreased the abundance of Desulfovibrio and Streptococcus in the cecum microbiota. In addition, ε-PLH 0.1% supplementation also increased acetic acid content in the cecum.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation with ε-PLH has a positive impact on both productive performance and egg quality in laying hens. Furthermore, ε-PLH can also relieve inflammation by promoting the immunity and reducing oxidative damage during egg production. ε-PLH has been shown to improve intestinal morphology, gut microbial diversity and intestinal health. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Aflatoxins and Fumonisins, Alone or in Combination, on Performance, Health, and Safety of Food Products of Broiler Chickens, and Mitigation Efficacy of Bentonite and Fumonisin Esterase

The current study evaluated the effects of feeding diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisins (FBs), or both on the performance and health of broiler chickens and the safety of their food products as well as the efficacy of bentonite and fumonisin esterase to mitigate the effects of these mycotoxins under conditions representative for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Four hundred one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 20 treatments with either a control diet, a diet with moderate AFB1 (60 μg/kg feed) or high AFB1 (220 μg/kg feed), or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg feed), alone or in combination, a diet containing AFB1 (either 60 or 220 μg/kg) and/or FBs (17,430 μg FB1+FB2/kg) and bentonite or fumonisin esterase or both, or a diet with bentonite or fumonisin esterase only. The experimental diets were given to the birds from day 1 to day 35 of age, and the effects of the different treatments on production performance were assessed by feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Possible health effects were evaluated through blood biochemistry, organ weights, mortality, liver gross pathological changes, and vaccine response. Residues of aflatoxins (AFB1, B2, G1, G2, M1 and M2) were determined in plasma, muscle, and liver tissues using validated UHPLC-MS/MS methods. The results obtained indicated that broiler chickens fed high AFB1 alone had poor FCR when compared to a diet with both high AFB1 and FBs (p = 0.0063). Serum total protein and albumin from birds fed FBs only or in combination with moderate or high AFB1 or detoxifiers increased when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Liver gross pathological changes were more pronounced in birds fed contaminated diets when compared to birds fed the control or diets supplemented with mycotoxin detoxifiers. The relative weight of the heart was significantly higher in birds fed high AFB1 and FBs when compared to the control or high AFB1 only diets (p < 0.05), indicating interactions between the mycotoxins. Inclusion of bentonite in AFB1-contaminated diets offered a protective effect on the change in weights of the liver, heart and spleen (p < 0.05). Residues of AFB1 were detected above the limit of quantification (max: 0.12 ± 0.03 μg/kg) in liver samples only, from birds fed a diet with high AFB1 only or with FBs or the detoxifiers. Supplementing bentonite into these AFB1-contaminated diets reduced the levels of the liver AFB1 residues by up to 50%. Bentonite or fumonisin esterase, alone, did not affect the performance and health of broiler chickens. Thus, at the doses tested, both detoxifiers were safe and efficient for use as valid means of counteracting the negative effects of AFB1 and FBs as well as transfer of AFB1 to food products (liver) of broiler chickens.

Effects of supplemented multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent in laying hens fed aflatoxin B1 and T2-toxin contaminated feeds

The present study was conducted to determine the ability of multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA) in feed to prevent the gastrointestinal absorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T2-toxin supplemented via spiked maize. For comparisons, hens were fed with uncontaminated basal diet without or with addition of MMDA at 2 g/kg feed. The trial consisted of 105 laying hens (Lohmann Brown) without obvious signs of disease allocated to 7 treatment groups in 35 pens. Responses were demonstrated on laying performance and health status throughout the 42 d experimental period. The results of laying performance indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin (AFB1 and T2-toxin) levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage, however simultaneous presence of MMDA laying performance was slightly modified linearly to increasing application. Dose-dependent pathological changes in liver and kidneys and their relative weights, changes in blood parameters and reduced eggshell weights were observed in the hens fed AFB1 and T2-toxin. The pathological changes in the hens fed with diets containing AFB1 and T2-toxin without MMDA were significantly higher as compared with the control group, but eggshell stability was not affected. The contents of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidney tissues were significantly decreased in the hens supplemented with MMDA at 2 and 3 g/kg in feed. MMDA supplementation significantly reduced the deposition of AFB1, T2-toxin and their metabolites in liver and kidneys at the maximum tolerated dosage (2 and 3 g/kg) indicating specific binding to AFB1 and T2-toxin in the digestive tract as compared to the corresponding diets without MMDA. Exposure of AFB1 and T2-toxin indicated significantly decreased egg mass with increasing mycotoxin levels up to the maximum tolerated dosage because of the significantly reduced egg production. Therefore, in this study, MMDA could reduce negative effects of feeding AFB1 and T-2 to laying hens.

Effects of Combinations of Toxin Binders with or without Natural Components on Broiler Breeders Exposed to Ochratoxin A

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of toxin binders on broiler breeders fed an ochratoxin A (OTA)-contaminated diet. A total of 60 45-week-old female Arbor Acres broiler breeder birds with an initial body weight of 3.65 ± 0.35 kg were randomly divided into 6 treatment groups, with 10 replicates per group and 1 bird per replicate. The trial was conducted for 9 weeks (including 1 week of adaptation). Feed additive 1 (FA1) was composed of clay minerals (85% bentonite and 12% clinoptilolite) with 3% charcoal. FA2 was composed of clay minerals (66.1% aluminosilicates) with natural components (0.8% artichoke and rosemary plant extracts), 7% yeast extract, 0.5% beta-glucans, and 25.6% carriers. The dietary treatment groups were as follows: (1) birds fed an OTA-free basal diet (Negative Control; NC); (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged birds fed a diet including OTA (4 mg/kg) (Positive Control, PC); (3) the PC with 0.05% FA1 (Treatment 1, T1); (4) the PC with 0.10% FA1 (Treatment 2, T2); (5) the PC with 0.10% FA2 (Treatment 3, T3); and (6) the PC with 0.20% FA2 (Treatment 4, T4). The LPS challenge (an intramuscular injection of 1 mg E. coli O55:B5 LPS per kg of body weight) was performed on the first day of the experiment. The results of this experiment show that the PC treatment negatively affected (p < 0.05) egg production, hatchability, Haugh unit, bone mineralization, relative organ weight (abdominal fat, liver), the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol in the blood, and OTA accumulation in the liver compared with the NC. However, supplementation with toxin binders mitigated (p < 0.05) the negative effects of the OTA. Specifically, supplementation with 0.10% FA1 and 0.10% FA2 increased (p < 0.05) eggshell strength by week 4, and the Haugh unit and bone mineralization (phosphorous) by week 8, while decreasing (p < 0.05) the relative weight of the liver and the levels of GOT and HDL in the blood. Supplementation with 0.10% FA2 led to greater improvements in various parameters, including laying performance and bone mineralization, than the other treatments. In conclusion, toxin binders with or without natural components can be effective tools in the mitigation of OTA-induced problems due to their synergistic effects.

Effect of aflatoxin B1 exposure on the progression of depressive-like behavior in rats

While it is well documented that aflatoxin B1 (AFB1); one of the most toxic food contaminants is linked to the development of depression. However, the mechanism on how it affects the gut and brain health leading to depressive-like behavior remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine the effect of AFB1 on the progression of depressive-like behavior. Thirty-two (n = 32) male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, low-dose (5 μg AFB1/kg), high-dose (25 μg AFB1/kg) and positive control group; exposed on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 4 weeks of exposure, sucrose preference test (SPT) and force swim test (FST) were used to measure behavioral despair. Fecal samples were selectively cultured to profile the bacteria. Body weight and relative organs weights were compared among groups. AFB1 and CUMS caused reduction in body weight and food intake as well as increased relative weight of adrenal glands, liver, and brain. Rats in AFB1 and CUMS groups had suppressed sucrose preference and prolonged immobility time in FST, wherein this could indicate anhedonia. Besides, fecal count of Lactobacillus spp. was significantly low following AFB1 exposure, with increasing count of Bifidobacterium spp, in comparison to the control. Indeed, further biochemical analysis and metagenomic approach are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms on the role of gut microbiota dysbiosis and dysregulation of gut-brain axis due to AFB1 neurotoxicity on the progression of depressive-like behavior.

Can Red Yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus) Be Used as a Novel Feed Additive for Mycotoxin Binders in Broiler Chickens?

Mycotoxin-contaminated feeds may negatively affect broiler chickens’ health; hence, a sustainable approach to achieve mycotoxin elimination is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of red yeast (Sporidiobolus pararoseus; RY) as a novel mycotoxin binder in broilers. A total of 1440 one-week-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 12 treatments in a 3 × 4 factorial design. The dietary treatments included three levels of mycotoxin-contaminated diets (0 µg kg−1 (0% of mycotoxin; MT), 50 µg kg−1 (50% MT), and 100 µg kg−1 (100% MT)) and four levels of mycotoxin binders (0.0 and 0.5 g kg−1 commercial binder, and 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1 RY). Experimental diets were contaminated with aflatoxin B1, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol in the basal diet. Furthermore, the parameters including feed intake, body weight, and mortality rate were recorded on a weekly basis. After feeding for 28 days, blood and organ samples were collected randomly to determine the blood biochemistry, relative organ weights, and gut health. The results indicated that mycotoxin-contaminated diets reduced the average daily weight gain (ADG), villus height (VH), and villus height per the crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) of the intestine, as well as the population of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in the cecal (p < 0.05), whereas they increased the mycotoxins concentration in the blood samples and the apoptosis cells (TUNEL positive) in the liver tissue (p < 0.01) of broiler chicken. In contrast, RY-supplemented diets had better ADG values and lower chicken mortality rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, these combinations positively impacted the relative organ weights, blood parameters, bacteria population, intestinal morphology, and pathological changes in the hepatocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, RY supplementation effectively alleviated the toxicity that is induced by AFB1 and OTA, mainly, and could potentially be applied as a novel feed additive in the broiler industry.

Multifunctional role of chitosan in farm animals: a comprehensive review

The deacetylation of chitin results in chitosan, a fibrous-like material. It may be produced in large quantities since the raw material (chitin) is plentiful in nature as a component of crustacean (shrimps and crabs) and insect hard outer skeletons, as well as the cell walls of some fungi. Chitosan is a nontoxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polygluchitosanamine that contains two essential reactive functional groups, including amino and hydroxyl groups. This unique chemical structure confers chitosan with many biological functions and activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antitumor, immunostimulatory and hypocholesterolemic, when used as a feed additive for farm animals. Studies have indicated the beneficial effects of chitosan on animal health and performance, aside from its safer use as an antibiotic alternative. This review aimed to highlight the effects of chitosan on animal health and performance when used as a promising feed additive.

Mycotoxins in Poultry Feed and Feed Ingredients from Sub-Saharan Africa and Their Impact on the Production of Broiler and Layer Chickens: A Review

The poultry industry in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is faced with feed insecurity, associated with high cost of feeds, and feed safety, associated with locally produced feeds often contaminated with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, including aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), trichothecenes, and zearalenone (ZEN), are common contaminants of poultry feeds and feed ingredients from SSA. These mycotoxins cause deleterious effects on the health and productivity of chickens and can also be present in poultry food products, thereby posing a health hazard to human consumers of these products. This review summarizes studies of major mycotoxins in poultry feeds, feed ingredients, and poultry food products from SSA as well as aflatoxicosis outbreaks. Additionally reviewed are the worldwide regulation of mycotoxins in poultry feeds, the impact of major mycotoxins in the production of chickens, and the postharvest use of mycotoxin detoxifiers. In most studies, AFs are most commonly quantified, and levels above the European Union regulatory limits of 20 μg/kg are reported. Trichothecenes, FBs, ZEN, and OTA are also reported but are less frequently analyzed. Co-occurrences of mycotoxins, especially AFs and FBs, are reported in some studies. The effects of AFs on chickens' health and productivity, carryover to their products, as well as use of mycotoxin binders are reported in few studies conducted in SSA. More research should therefore be conducted in SSA to evaluate occurrences, toxicological effects, and mitigation strategies to prevent the toxic effects of mycotoxins.

Effects of Montmorillonite on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Stress of Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) Fed Mycotoxin-Contaminated Feed

BACKGROUND

The red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is one of the most vulnerable bird species in the world. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi and considered naturally unavoidable contaminants in animal feed. Our recent survey indicated that the mycotoxins had the potential to contaminate redcrowned crane's regular diets in China.

OBJECTIVE

This experiment was conducted to investigate the protective effects of mycotoxin binder montmorillonite (Mont) on growth performance, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress parameters of the red-crowned crane.

METHODS

16 red-crowned cranes were divided into four groups and fed one of the following diets; a selected diet, regular diet, or the selected diet or regular diet with 0.5% montmorillonite added to the diets. The cranes' parameters of performance, hematology, serum biochemistry and serum oxidative stress were measured.

RESULTS

Consuming regular diets decreased the average daily feed intake (ADFI), levels of haemoglobin (Hb), platelet count (PLT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), but increased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The supplementation of 0.5% Mont provided protection for the red-crowned crane in terms of feed intake, serum biochemistry and oxidative stress. Moreover, Mont supplementation had no adverse effect on the health of red-crowned crane.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggested that the addition of dietary Mont is effective in improving the health of red-crowned crane.

Interaction effects of sunflower oil and aflatoxin at graded levels in diet on performance, serum and tissue biochemical profile, organ weights and immuneresponse in broiler chicken

The dietary supplementation of fat has great potential in countering the toxic effects of aflatoxin (AF) in chickens, but the issue was less researched upon. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens to graded levels of AF B1 (0, 150 and 300 ppb) and sunflower oil (SFO) (0, 1.5 and 3.0%) in the diet in a 3 × 3 factorial manner to understand their interaction effects. A total of 360 broiler chickens divided into 9 equal groups were fed the diets during 0 to 35 days of age, and their response was evaluated in terms of performance, serum biochemical profile, organ weights, liver fat content and bone mineralization. Sunflower oil at 1.5% in diet countered (P ≤ 0.01) the adverse effects of 150 ppb AF on body weight, whereas at 300 ppb AF, such a response was seen at the higher level (3%) of SFO. Aflatoxin decreased (P ≤ 0.01) feed intake by 4 and 11% at 150 and 300 ppb concentration, respectively at 35 days of age, which was increased (P ≤ 0.01) with each incremental level of SFO supplementation (by 3.0 and 8.8%, respectively at 1.5 and 3%, respectively). Serum protein concentration increased (P ≤ 0.01) by SFO supplementation only at the higher concentration (300 ppb) of AF (by 42.4%), whereas total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration, and immune response to SRBC inoculation increased (P ≤ 0.01) with SFO at either level of AF (by 16.8, 18.7 and 75.6% at 1.5% SFO and 33.1, 36.9 and 94.2% at 3.0% SFO, respectively at 35 days of age). Weights of the liver, giblets, kidneys and pancreas increased (P ≤ 0.01) by 23.2, 14.7, 34.2 and 16.9%, respectively, and thymus weight decreased (P ≤ 0.04) by 25.4% with 300 ppb AF, and SFO at 3% in diet countered the effect on weight of the liver and giblets. Fat deposition in the liver increased (P ≤ 0.01) as the concentration of AF increased in diet (by 9.4 and 17.3%, respectively at 150 and 300 ppb AF), which was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) countered by SFO at 3% in diet. Tibia bone Ca content increased by 2.4% (P ≤ 0.01) with SFO supplementation in AF-fed chickens. It is concluded that dietary SFO supplementation countered the adverse effects of AF in broiler chicks in a dose-dependent manner, and higher level of oil (3% in diet) was required at the higher concentration of AF (300 ppb) in diet.

The effects of Nigella sativa seeds and thymoquinone on aflatoxin phase-2 detoxification through glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase alpha-3, and the relationship between aflatoxin B1-DNA adducts in broilers

The primary pathway of the detoxification of aflatoxin (AF) metabolites occurring at the end of phase-1 biotransformation is glutathione (GSH) conjugation via glutathione-S-transferase (GST) enzyme in phase-2. In this study, the activity of Nigella sativa seeds (NS) and thymoquinone (TQ) on phase-2 detoxification pathways of AF was investigated in light of GSH, GST alpha-3 (GSTA3), and AFB1-DNA adducts detected by the immunohistochemical method in broilers' livers. One-hundred twenty chickens at one-day-old were divided into six groups as the control (CNT), AF, TQ, NS, AF + TQ, and AF + NS groups and fed for 28 days. AF, TQ, and NS were added to the relevant diets at 2 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 5%, respectively. The administration of AF alone strongly stimulated the formation of AFB1-DNA adduct and reduced GSH and GSTA3 levels in hepatocytes (p < 0,01). In contrast, TQ and NS were found to reduce significantly the amount of AFB1-DNA adducts in AF + TQ and AF + NS groups (p < 0,01). We concluded that NS and TQ achieved this by increasing GSH and GSTA3 levels (p < 0,01) thanks to their antioxidant properties, and hence detoxifying the reactive metabolites of AF. Also, we consider that the AFB1-DNA adduct constituted in 28 days can be used as a biomarker for exposure to AF in broilers.

Trial for reduction of Ochratoxin A residues in fish feed by using nano particles of hydrated sodium aluminum silicates (NPsHSCAS) and copper oxide

This paper was designed to analyze the effect of ochratoxin A (OTA) contaminated feed on the growth outcomes, certain serum biochemical, histopathology, and OTA residue in the dorsal muscle, liver, and kidney in Nile tilapia. Also, to improve the drastic effect of OTA through dietary supplementation of hydrated sodium aluminum silicates nanoparticles or nano copper. For performing the present study, 270 fish were randomly allotted into 6 equal groups according to ochratoxin and nanoparticles of hydrated sodium aluminum silicates or copper oxide. The results indicated that supplementation of two levels of both nanoparticles (aluminum silicate or copper) as a mycotoxin adsorbent could prevent ochratoxicosis in Nile tilapia fish. In addition, they maintained optimal growth performance, feed efficiency without bad effect on serum profiles and vital organs function of fish in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathologically, the most interesting finding was the precipitation of calcium salts known as nephrocalcinosis, within the tubules, upon the degenerative tubules and tunica intima and media of the blood vessels in the control positive group. These pathological lesions were mitigated by nanoparticle supplementation. Thus increase the safety of fish products.

Enzyme Degradation Reagents Effectively Remove Mycotoxins Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone from Pig and Poultry Artificial Digestive Juices

Mycotoxin removers include enzymes and adsorbents that may be used in animal feeds to eliminate the toxic effects of mycotoxins. This study aimed to determine the removability of two different types of mycotoxin removers, adsorbents and enzyme degradation reagents (EDRs), in the simulated gastrointestinal conditions of pigs and poultry. Seven commercial mycotoxin removers, including five EDRs and two adsorbents, were tested in vitro. In this study, the supplemented dosages of mycotoxin removers used in pig and poultry feeds were the commercial recommendation ranging from 0.05% to 0.2%. For pigs, the in vitro gastric and small intestinal simulations were performed by immersing the mycotoxin-tainted feed in artificial gastric juice (AGJ) at pH 2.5 for 5 h or in artificial intestinal juice (AIJ) at pH 6.5 for 2 h to mimick in vivo conditions. For poultry, mycotoxin-tainted feeds were immersed in AGJ for 2 h at pH 4.5 and 0.5 h at pH of 2.5, respectively, to simulate crop/glandular stomach and gizzard conditions; the small intestinal simulation was in AIJ for 2 h at pH 6.5. For the pig, EDRs and adsorbents had deoxynivalenol (DON) removability (1 mg/kg) of 56% to 100% and 15% to 19%, respectively. Under the concentration of 0.5 mg/kg, the zearalenone (ZEN) removability by EDRs and adsorbents was 65% to 100% and 0% to 36%, respectively. For the simulation in poultry, the removability of DON by EDRs and adsorbents (5 mg/kg) was 56% to 79% and 1% to 36%, respectively; for the concentration of 0.5 mg/kg, the removability of ZEN by EDRs and adsorbents was 38% to 69% and 7% to 9%, respectively. These results suggest that EDRs are more effective in reducing DON and ZEN contamination compared to the adsorbent methods in the simulated gastrointestinal tracts of pig and poultry. The recoveries of DON and ZEN of pig in vitro gastrointestinal simulations were higher than 86.4% and 84.7%, respectively, with 88.8% and 85.9%, respectively, in poultry. These results demonstrated the stability and accuracy of our mycotoxin extraction process and in vitro simulation efficiency.

Effects of absorbents on growth performance, blood profiles and liver gene expression in broilers fed diets naturally contaminated with aflatoxin

Objective

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the absorbent (a mixture of activated carbon and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate) on growth performance, blood profiles and hepatic genes expression in broilers fed diets naturally contaminated with aflatoxin.

Methods

A total of 1,200 one-day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 10 replicate cages per treatment. The dietary treatments were as follows: i) control (basal diets); ii) 50% contaminated corn; iii) 100% contaminated corn; iv) control+1% adsorbent; v) 50% contaminated corn+1% absorbent; vi) 100% contaminated corn+1% absorbent.

Results

During d 1 to 21, feeding contaminated diets reduced (p<0.05) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but increased (p<0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G). The absorbent supplementation increased (p<0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI. There were interactions (p<0.05) in BW, ADG, and ADFI between contaminated corn and absorbent. Overall, birds fed 100% contaminated diets had lower (p<0.05) final BW and ADG, but higher (p<0.05) F/G compared to those fed control diets. The absorbent addition increased (p<0.05) serum albumin concentration on d 14 and 28 and total protein (TP) level on d 28, decreased (p<0.05) alanine transaminase activity on d 14 and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase on d 28. Feeding contaminated diets reduced (p<0.05) hepatic TP content on d 28 and 42. The contaminated diets upregulated (p<0.05) expression of interleukin-6, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but downregulated (p<0.05) glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression in liver. The absorbent supplementation increased (p<0.05) interleukin-1β, CAT, SOD, cytochrome P450 1A1 and GST expression in liver. There were interactions (p<0.05) in the expression of hepatic CAT, SOD, and GST between contaminated corn and absorbent.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the naturally aflatoxin-contaminated corn depressed growth performance, while the adsorbent could partially attenuate the adverse effects of aflatoxin on growth performance, blood profiles and hepatic genes expression in broilers.

Harmful Effects and Control Strategies of Aflatoxin B₁ Produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus Strains on Poultry: Review

The presence of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in poultry diets decreases the hatchability, hatchling weight, growth rate, meat and egg production, meat and egg quality, vaccination efficiency, as well as impairing the feed conversion ratio and increasing the susceptibility of birds to disease and mortality. AFB₁ is transferred from poultry feed to eggs, meat, and other edible parts, representing a threat to the health of consumers because AFB₁ is carcinogenic and implicated in human liver cancer. This review considers how AFB₁ produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus strains can affect the immune system, antioxidant defense system, digestive system, and reproductive system in poultry, as well as its effects on productivity and reproductive performance. Nutritional factors can offset the effects of AFB₁ in poultry and, thus, it is necessary to identify and select suitable additives to address the problems caused by AFB₁ in poultry.