Mitigation Effects of Bentonite and Yeast Cell Wall Binders on AFB1, DON, and OTA Induced Changes in Laying Hen Performance, Egg Quality, and Health

AP-1 and SP1 trans-activate the expression of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 in the bioactivation of AFB1 in chicken

Dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is harmful to the health and performance of domestic animals. The hepatic cytochrome P450s (CYPs), CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, are the primary enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1 to the highly toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO) in chicks. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of these CYP genes in the liver of chicks in AFB1 metabolism remains unknown. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, bioinformatics and site-directed mutation results indicated that specificity protein 1 (SP1) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) motifs were located in the core region -1,063/-948, -606/-541 of the CYP1A1 promoter as well as -636/-595, -503/-462, -147/-1 of the CYP2A6 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression and decoy oligodeoxynucleotide technologies demonstrated that SP1 and AP-1 were pivotal transcriptional activators regulating the promoter activity of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6. Moreover, bioactivation of AFB1 to AFBO could be increased by upregulation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression, which was trans-activated owing to the upregulalion of AP-1, rather than SP1, stimulated by AFB1-induced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, nano-selenium could reduce ROS, downregulate AP-1 expression and then decrease the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, thus alleviating the toxicity of AFB1. In conclusion, AP-1 and SP1 played important roles in the transactivation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression and further bioactivated AFB1 to AFBO in chicken liver, which could provide novel targets for the remediation of aflatoxicosis in chicks.

Research advancements in the maintenance mechanism of Sporidiobolus pararoseus enhancing the quality of soy sauce during fermentation

Soy sauce is a traditional condiment that undergoes microbial fermentation of various ingredients to achieve its desired color, scent, and flavor. Sporidiobolus pararoseus, which is a type of Rhodocerevisiae, shows promising potential as a source of lipids, carotenoids, and enzymes that can enrich the taste and color of soy sauce. However, there is currently a lack of systematic and comprehensive studies on the functions and mechanisms of action of S. pararoseus during soy sauce fermentation. In this review, it is well established that S. pararoseus produces lipids that are abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, as well as various carotenoids, such as β-carotene, torulene, and torularhodin. These pigments are synthesized through the mevalonic acid pathway and possess remarkable antioxidant properties, acting as natural colorants. The synthesis of carotenoids is stimulated by high salt concentrations, which induces oxidative stress caused by NaCl. This stress further activates crucial enzymes involved in carotenoid production, ultimately leading to pigment formation. Moreover, S. pararoseus can produce high-quality enzymes that aid in the efficient utilization of soy sauce substrates during fermentation. Furthermore, this review focused on the impact of S. pararoseus on the color and quality of soy sauce and comprehensively analyzed its characteristics and ingredients. Thus, this review serves as a basis for screening high-quality oleaginous red yeast strains and improving the quality of industrial soy sauce production through the wide application of S. pararoseus.

Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Yeast Cell Wall Extract Supple-Mentation during Mycotoxin Challenges on the Performance of Laying Hens

A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of mycotoxins (MT) without or with the inclusion of yeast cell wall extract (YCWE, Mycosorb®, Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY, USA) on laying hen performance. A total of 25 trials were collected from a literature search, and data were extracted from 8 of these that met inclusion criteria, for a total of 12 treatments and 1774 birds. Laying hens fed MT had lower (p < 0.05) body weight (BW) by -50 g, egg production by -6.3 percentage points, and egg weight by -1.95 g than control fed hens (CTRL). Inclusion of YCWE during the mycotoxin challenges (YCWE + MT) resulted in numerically greater (p = 0.441) BW by 12.5 g, while egg production and egg weight were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher by 4.2 percentage points and 1.37 g, respectively. Furthermore, economic assessment calculations indicated that YCWE may not only support hen performance but also resulted in a positive return on investment. In conclusion, mycotoxins can play a role in negatively impacting laying hen performance and profitability. Inclusion of YCWE in feed with mycotoxin challenges provided benefits to egg production and egg weight and may support profitability. As such, the inclusion of YCWE could play an important role in minimizing mycotoxin effects and in turn aid farm efficiency and profitability.

An integrated mycotoxin-mitigating agent can effectively mitigate the combined toxicity of AFB1, DON and OTA on the production performance, liver and oviduct health in broiler breeder hens

This study was to evaluate the efficacy of an integrated mycotoxin-mitigating agent in reducing the adverse effects of co-occurring dietary aflatoxin B1 deoxynivalenol and ochratoxin A on broiler breeder hens. 360 30-week-old Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens were allocated into four groups and received a basal diet (BD; Control), BD added 0.15 mg/kg aflatoxin B1+1.5 mg/kg deoxynivalenol+0.12 mg/kg ochratoxin A (Toxins), BD plus Toxins with 0.1% TOXO-XL (Toxins + XL1), and BD plus Toxins with 0.2% TOXO-XL (Toxins + XL2), respectively, for 8 weeks, and then received the same BD for another 4 weeks. Compared with control, mycotoxins decreased total egg weigh, egg laying rate, settable eggs rate, hatch of total eggs rate, egg quality, but increased feed/egg ratio and mortality rate, and impaired the liver and oviduct health during weeks 1-8 and(or) 9-12. It also increased PC and MDA concentrations, TUNEL-positive cells and IL-1β and IL-6 expression, and decreased T-AOC, GPX and CAT activities in liver and/or oviduct. Notably, most of these negative changes were mitigated by both dosages of TOXO-XL. Generally, 0.2% TOXO-XL displayed better mitigation effects than 0.1% TOXO-XL. Conclusively, these findings revealed that TOXO-XL could mitigate the combined mycotoxins-induced toxicity on the performance, liver and oviduct health, through the regulation of redox, immunity, and apoptosis in broiler breeder hens.

Yeast polysaccharide mitigated oxidative injury in broilers induced by mixed mycotoxins via regulating intestinal mucosal oxidative stress and hepatic metabolic enzymes

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of yeast polysaccharides (YPS) on growth performance, intestinal health, and aflatoxin metabolism in livers of broilers fed diets naturally contaminated with mixed mycotoxins (MYCO). A total of 480 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broilers were randomly allocated into a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (8 replicates with 10 birds per replicate) for 6 wk to assess the effects of 3 levels of YPS (0, 1, or 2 g/kg) on the broilers fed diets contaminated with or without MYCO (95 μg/kg aflatoxin B1, 1.5 mg/kg deoxynivalenol, and 490 μg/kg zearalenone). Results showed that mycotoxins contaminated diets led to significant increments in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, mRNA expressions of TLR4 and 4EBP1 associated with oxidative stress, mRNA expressions of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, and CYP3A4 associated with hepatic phase Ⅰ metabolizing enzymes, mRNA expressions of p53 associated with hepatic mitochondrial apoptosis, and AFB1 residues in the liver (P < 0.05); meanwhile dietary MYCO decreased the jejunal villus height (VH), villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD), the activity of serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), mRNA expressions of jejunal HIF-1α, HMOX, and XDH associated with oxidative stress, mRNA expressions of jejunal CLDN1, ZO1, and ZO2, and mRNA expression of GST associated with hepatic phase Ⅱ metabolizing enzymes of broilers (P < 0.05). Notably, the adverse effects induced by MYCO on broilers were mitigated by supplementation with YPS. Dietary YPS supplementation reduced the concentrations of serum MDA and 8-OHdG, jejunal CD, mRNA expression of jejunal TLR2, and 4EBP1, hepatic CYP1A2, and p53, and the AFB1 residues in the liver (P < 0.05), and elevated the serum T-AOC and SOD, jejunal VH, and VH/CD, and mRNA expression of jejunal XDH, hepatic GST of broilers (P < 0.05). There were significant interactions between MYCO and YPS levels on the growth performance (BW, ADFI, ADG, and F/G) at d 1 to 21, d 22 to 42, and d 1 to 42, serum GSH-Px activity, and mRNA expression of jejunal CLDN2 and hepatic ras of broilers (P < 0.05). In contrast with MYCO group, the addition of YPS increased BW, ADFI, and ADG, the serum GSH-Px activity (14.31%-46.92%), mRNA levels of jejunal CLDN2 (94.39%-103.02%), decreased F/G, and mRNA levels of hepatic ras (57.83%-63.62%) of broilers (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplements with YPS protected broilers from mixed mycotoxins toxicities meanwhile keeping normal performance of broilers, presumably via reducing intestinal oxidative stress, protecting intestinal structural integrity, and improving hepatic metabolic enzymes to minimize the AFB1 residue in the liver and enhance the performance of broilers.

Effects of moldy corn on the performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, metabolism and residues of mycotoxins in eggs, muscle, and edible viscera of laying hens

Mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol (DON), are common contaminants of moldy feeds. Mycotoxins can cause deleterious effects on the health of chickens and can be carried over in poultry food products. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of moldy corn (containing AFB₁, ZEN, and DON) on the performance, health, and mycotoxin residues of laying hens. One hundred and eighty 400-day-old laying hens were divided into 4 treatments: basal diet (Control), basal diet containing 20% moldy corn (MC20), 40% moldy corn (MC40) and 60% moldy corn (MC60). At d 20, 40, and 60, the performance, oxidative stress, immune function, metabolism, and mycotoxin residues in eggs were determined. At d 60, mycotoxin residues in muscle and edible viscera were measured. Results showed the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and laying performance of laying hens were decreased with moldy corn treatments. All the moldy corn treatments also induced significant oxidative stress and immunosuppression, reflected by decreased antioxidase activities, contents of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and increased malonaldehyde level. Moreover, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were increased by moldy corn treatments. The lipid metabolism was influenced in laying hens receiving moldy corn, reflected by lowered levels of total protein, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and increased total triglyceride as well as uric acid. The above impairments were aggravated with the increase of mycotoxin levels. Furthermore, AFB₁ and ZEN residues were found in eggs, muscle, and edible viscera with moldy corn treatments, but the residues were below the maximum residue limits. In conclusion, moldy corn impaired the performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, liver function, and metabolism of laying hens at d 20, 40, and 60. Moldy corn also led to AFB₁ residue in eggs at d 20, 40, and 60, and led to both AFB₁ and ZEN residues in eggs at days 40 and 60, and in muscle and edible viscera at d 60. The toxic effects and mycotoxin residues were elevated with the increase of moldy corn levels in feed.

Compound mycotoxin detoxifier alleviating aflatoxin B1 toxic effects on broiler growth performance, organ damage and gut microbiota

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of compound mycotoxin detoxifier (CMD) on alleviating the toxic effect of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) for broiler growth performance. One-kilogram CMD consists of 667 g aflatoxin B₁-degrading enzyme (ADE, 1,467 U/g), 200 g montmorillonite and 133 g compound probiotics (CP). The feeding experiment was divided into 2 stages (1-21 d and 22-42 d). In the early stage, a total of 300 one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 5 replications for each group, 10 broilers (half male and half female) in each replication. In the later feeding stage, about 240 twenty-two-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 8 replications for each group, 5 broilers in each replication. Group A: basal diet; group B: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB₁; group C: basal diet with 1 g/kg CMD; groups D, E, and F: basal diet with 40 μg/kg AFB₁ plus 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg CMD, respectively. The results indicated that AFB₁ significantly decreased average daily gain (ADG), protein metabolic rate, organ index of thymus, bursa of Fabricius (BF), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and catalase activities in serum, and increased AFB₁ residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining analysis of jejunum, liver and kidney showed that AFB₁ caused the main pathological changes with different degrees of inflammatory cell infiltration. However, CMD additions could alleviate the negative effects of AFB₁ on the above parameters. The gut microbiota analysis indicated that AFB₁ could significantly increase the abundances of Staphylococcus-xylosu, Esherichia-coli-g-Escherichia-Shigella, and decrease Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance (P < 0.05), but which were adjusted to almost the same levels as the control group by CMD addition. The correlative analysis showed that Lactobacillus-aviarius abundance was positively correlated with ADG, SOD and BF (P < 0.05), whereas Staphylococcus-xylosus abundance was positively correlated with AFB₁ residues in serum and liver (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CMD could keep gut microbiota stable, alleviate histological lesions, increase growth performance, and reduce mycotoxin toxicity. The optimal CMD addition should be 1 g/kg in AFB₁-contaminated broilers diet.

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.

Effects of Zearalenone on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Ovarian Function and Gut Microbiota of Laying Hens

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a ubiquitous contaminant in poultry feed, since ZEN and its metabolites can interfere with estrogen function and affect the reproductive ability of animals. The estrogen-like effect of ZEN on mammal is widely reported, while little information is available, regarding the effect of relatively low dose of ZEN on estrogen function and production performance of laying hens, and the relationship between them. This work was aimed to investigate the effects of ZEN on the production performance, egg quality, ovarian function and gut microbiota of laying hens. A total of 96 Hy-line brown laying hens aged 25-week were randomly divided into 3 groups including basal diet group (BD group), basal diet supplemented with 250 μg/kg (250 μg/kg ZEN group) and 750 μg/kg (750 μg/kg ZEN group) ZEN group. Here, 750 μg/kg ZEN resulted in a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (g feed/g egg) (p < 0.05), a decrease in the egg production (p > 0.05), albumen height and Haugh unit (p > 0.05), compared to the BD group. The serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels significantly decreased in ZEN supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Serum Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Progesterone (P) levels in the 750 μg/kg ZEN group were significantly lower than those in the BD group (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that ZEN reduced cecum microbial diversity (p < 0.05) and altered gut microbiota composition. In contrast to 250 μg/kg ZEN, 750 μg/kg ZEN had more dramatic effects on the gut microbiota function. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between the dominant bacteria of the 750 μg/kg ZEN group and the production performance, egg quality and ovarian function of hens. Overall, ZEN was shown to exert a detrimental effect on production performance, egg quality and ovarian function of laying hens in this study. Moreover, alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota induced by ZEN may be involved in the adverse effects of ZEN on laying hens.

Modified Montmorillonite Improved Growth Performance of Broilers by Modulating Intestinal Microbiota and Enhancing Intestinal Barriers, Anti-Inflammatory Response, and Antioxidative Capacity

This study aims to explore the effects of modified montmorillonite (MMT, copper loading) on the growth performance, gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, antioxidative capacity and immune function of broilers. Yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into control (CTR), modified montmorillonite (MMT), and antibiotic (ANTI) groups. Results revealed that MMT supplementation increased the BW and ADG and decreased the F/R during the 63-day experiment period. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that MMT modulated the cecal microbiota composition of broilers by increasing the relative abundance of two phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) and two genera (Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium) and decreasing the abundance of genus Olsenella. MMT also improved the intestinal epithelial barrier indicated by the up-regulated mRNA expression of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 and the increased length of microvilli in jejunum and the decreased levels of DAO and D-LA in serum. In addition, MMT enhanced the immune function indicated by the increased levels of immunoglobulins, the decreased levels of MPO and NO, the down-regulated mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the up-regulated mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, MMT down-regulated the expression of jejunal TLRs/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway-related genes (TLR2, TLR4, Myd88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and iNOS) and related proteins (TRAF6, p38, ERK, NF-κB, and iNOS). In addition, MMT increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related genes and thereby decreased the apoptosis-related genes expression. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Olsenella were related to the inflammatory index (MPO and NO), oxidative stress (T-AOC, T-SOD, and CAT) and intestinal integrity (D-LA and DAO). Taken together, MMT supplementation improved the growth performance of broilers by modulating intestinal microbiota, enhancing the intestinal barrier function, and improving inflammatory response, which might be mediated by inhibiting the TLRs/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, and antioxidative capacity mediated by the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Mycotoxins binder supplementation alleviates aflatoxin B1 toxic effects on the immune response and intestinal barrier function in broilers

This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether a commercial mycotoxins-binder, XL, could effectively attenuate the negative effects of Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on growth performance, immunological function, and intestinal health in birds. Two hundred forty 1-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 treatments using a 2 × 2 factorial randomized design with 2 levels of dietary mycotoxins binder (0 or 2g /kg) and 2 AFB₁ supplemented levels (0 or 200 μg/kg) from 0 to 42 d. Results showed that AFB₁ exposure impaired growth performance by decreasing BWG in 1–21 d and 1–42 d, decreasing FI in 1–21 d, increasing FCR in 1–21 d and 1–42 d (P < 0.05). Broilers fed AFB₁- contaminated diet impaired the immune function, as evident by decreasing IgA contents, Newcastle disease antibody titers in serum, and sIgA contents of jejunal mucosa at 21 d (P < 0.05). On the other hand, AFB₁ challenge significantly increased the gene expression of proinflammatory factors in spleen at 21 d and liver at 42 d, and significantly decreased claudin-1 expression at 42 d and occludin expression at 21 d, and increased claudin-2 at 21 d in jejunum of broiler chickens (P < 0.05) compared to the basal diet group. Dietary XL supplementation significantly decreased the gene expression of IL-6 in spleen at 21 d and IL-1β in liver at 42 d, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) expression in liver at 21 d of broilers (P < 0.05) compared with the nonsupplemented birds, regardless of AFB₁ challenged or not. Inclusion of 2 g/kg XL increased serum ALB at 42 d, IgM and IgA at 42 d, Newcastle disease antibody titer level at 35 d (P < 0.05). Dietary XL addition enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of claudin-1 at 21 d and Occludin at 42 d (P < 0.05) in jejunum. Conclusively, 2 g/kg mycotoxins-binder can relieve the toxic effect of AFB₁ on broilers.

Effective Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A Using Magnetic Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite: Isotherm and Kinetic Study

One of the approaches for reducing exposure to mycotoxins is to lessen their bioavailability by applying nanocomposite adsorbents. Magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) is a new class of nanostructured multifunctional nanocomposite materials, which play a vital role as an adsorbent. The primary aim of this study is to apply response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the influence of pH within the range of 3 to 7, time (3–7 h), and temperature (30–50 °C), on the simultaneous detoxification of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) by using MGO. The optimal condition was obtained at pH 5, 5 h, and 40 °C. Further investigation of the adsorption evaluation was carried out by studying different parameters, such as the influence of contact time, initial mycotoxins concentration, and temperature. According to the experimental data, it can be concluded that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm fitted well. The capability of adsorption for the Freundlich model was calculated as 153 and 95 ng/g for AFB1 and OTA, respectively. The thermodynamic study showed that the sorption studies act spontaneously as an exothermic process. These findings suggest that the application of MGO as a nanocomposite is of great significance for the detoxification of mycotoxins.

Mitigation of AFB1-Related Toxic Damage to the Intestinal Epithelium in Broiler Chickens Consumed a Yeast Cell Wall Fraction

In vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a yeast cell wall fraction (YCW) to reduce the negative impact of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) to the intestinal epithelium in broiler chickens. Zeta potential (ζ-potential), point of zero charge (pH_pzc), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were used to characterize the YCW. Two hundred one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly allocated into four treatments: (1) control, chickens fed an AFB₁-free diet; (2) AF, chickens feed an AFB₁-contaminated diet (500 ng AFB₁/g); (3) YCW, chickens fed an AFB₁-free diet + 0.05% YCW; and (4) AF + YCW, chickens fed an AFB₁-contaminated diet (500 ng AFB₁/g) + 0.05% YCW. At the end of the 21-day feeding period, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) was administered to chicks by oral gavage to evaluate gastrointestinal leakage. Blood and duodenum samples were collected to assess serum biochemistry and histomorphology, respectively. Compared to the control group, chicks of the AF group significantly diminished weight gain (WG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality rate (MR), and intestinal lesion scores (p < 0.05). Alterations in some serum biochemical parameters, and damage to the intestinal integrity were also evident in the AF-intoxicated birds. YCW supplementation improved WG and FCR and increased villus height, villus area, crypt depth, and the number of goblet cells in villi. The effects of YCW on growth performance were not significant in chicks of the AF + YCW group; however, the treatment decreased MR and significantly ameliorated some biochemical and histomorphological alterations. The beneficial effect of YCW was more evident in promoting gut health since chickens of the AF + YCW group presented a significant reduction in serum FITC-d concentration. This positive effect was mainly related to the changes in negative charges of YCW due to changes in pH, the net negative surface charge above the pH_pzc, the higher quantities of negative charged functional groups on the YCW surface, and its ability to form large aggregates. From these results, it can be concluded that YCW at low supplementation level can partially protect broilers' intestinal health from chronic exposure to AFB₁.

Occurrence of Aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in feeds in China during 2018-2020

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to investigate the individual and combined occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) in feeds from various Provinces of China during 2018 to 2020. A total of 3,507 feed samples, including 2,090 feed ingredients and 1,417 complete feed samples, were collected from different areas of China for mycotoxins analysis.

RESULTS

The individual contamination of AFB1, DON and ZEN were present in more than 81.9%, 96.4% and 96.9% of feed samples, respectively, with average concentration ranges of AFB1 between 1.2-27.4 μg/kg, DON between 458.0-1,925.4 μg/kg and ZEN between 48.1-326.8 μg/kg. Notably, 0.9%, 0.5% and 0.1% of feed ingredients, and 1.2-12.8%, 0.9-2.9% and 0-8.9% of complete feeds for pigs, poultry and ruminants with AFB1, ZEN and DON that exceeded China's safety standards, respectively. Moreover, more than 81.5% of feed ingredients and 95.7% of complete feeds were co-contaminated with various combinations of these mycotoxins.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the feeds in China were universally contaminated with AFB1, DON and ZEN during the past 3 years. These findings highlight the significance of monitoring mycotoxin contaminant levels in the domestic animal feed, and the importance of carrying out feed administration and remediation strategies for mycotoxin control.