Boosting antioxidant defense and enhancing product quality by biochar and probiotics under chronic aflatoxicosis in quails
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Aflatoxins , particularly aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ), are potent mycotoxins adversely affecting poultry performance, health, and product quality . Mitigation strategies are critical for poultry productivity. This study assessed the efficacy of Prosopis farcta biochar and Lactobacillus fermentum in mitigating AFB 1 -induced toxicity in quails, with a focus on performance, antioxidant status, and product quality. Two experiments were conducted with quails during growing (7–35 days) and laying (70–98 days) periods under five dietary treatments: Negative Control (basal diet), Positive Control (AFB 1 -contaminated diet), and AFB 1 diets supplemented with Mycofix Plus, biochar, or biochar combined with L. fermentum . Growth performance, antioxidant status, meat and egg quality, and liver enzyme activity were evaluated. AFB 1 significantly impaired performance, reduced meat and egg quality, and elevated oxidative stress and liver enzymes ( P < 0.01). Supplementation with biochar, particularly in combination with L. fermentum , significantly alleviated these effects, improving body weight , glutathione peroxidase activity, and reducing malondialdehyde and liver enzyme levels ( P < 0.01). Biochar and its combination with L. fermentum effectively mitigated aflatoxicosis in quails, enhancing health and productivity metrics. Integrating biochar and L. fermentum in poultry diets is a promising approach to managing mycotoxin challenges, improving economic and product quality outcomes in poultry systems.
Source: Poultry Science
Institutions: Zabol University, Tarbiat Modares University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,600
Funder: University of Zabol
Award: G4195204657
OpenAlex ID: W4409590179