Efficiency of complex preventive measures in reducing mycotoxin toxicity in birds

Federal Center for Toxicological, Radiation and Biological Safety, 2 Nauchny Gorodok, 420075, Kazan, Russia

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Abstract

Mycotoxins (aflatoxins, zearalenone, T-2 toxin) commonly co-contaminate poultry feed, causing synergistic toxicity. This study evaluated two preventive complexes (PC) at 0.25% of feed: PC1 (hepatoprotective: β-glucans, milk thistle, vitamins E/C, levamisole) and PC2 (adsorbent-based: bentonite, succinic acid, methyluracil, vitamin A, probiotic Florin). The trial involved 120 birds (Cobb 500 broilers, Lohmann layers) divided into six groups: biological control, toxic control (T-2 toxin 2.5 mg/kg + aflatoxin B1 3.3 mg/kg + zearalenone 1.7 mg/kg), and groups receiving contaminated feed with PC1 or PC2, plus healthy controls receiving only PC1 or PC2. On day 21, serum enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, CK) were analyzed. In the toxic control, combined mycotoxins induced acute hepatitis with cytolysis and cholestasis: ALT increased 7-fold, AST doubled, ALP reached 1.77× normal, and LDH rose by 51.4–75.6%. Broilers were more sensitive to liver injury than layers. Both PC1 and PC2 significantly reduced enzyme elevations, maintaining levels near physiological norms. PC2 showed a slightly more pronounced effect during the broiler finisher phase, attributed to bentonite's adsorption combined with metabolic support. No adverse effects were observed in healthy birds receiving either complex. The findings support using supplements that combine sorption and energy-stimulating properties for preventing mycotoxicosis in poultry.