Aflatoxin Occurrence, Detection, and Novel Strategies to Reduce Toxicity in Poultry Species

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AF) are the commonly occurring mycotoxins produced by various Aspergillus species including A. flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. nominus. As secondary metabolites of these fungi, AF may contaminate a variety of food and feedstuffs, especially corn, peanuts, and cottonseed. Among the many known AFs, AFB1 is the most commonly encountered and the most toxic. In poultry, adverse effects of AF include reduction in growth rate and feed efficiency, decreased egg production and hatchability along with increased susceptibility to diseases, besides residues in food chains. Many rapid screening methods for detecting aflatoxin are available currently, namely: thin layer chromatography (TLC), HPTLC, HPLC, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), monoclonal antibody kits, and affinity column chromatography, making the detection of AF precise. For field application, rapid assay kits, e.g., Aflatest of Vicam and Afla-2-cup of Romers Labs, are currently available. The most novel ways to counteract aflatoxin already accumulated in the feed could be by getting them bound to inert compounds before absorption from host’s intestine. Among various classes of poultry, ducks followed by turkeys form the two most vulnerable poultry species, among others. Considering the inherently high genetic variation between duck breeds for AFB susceptibility, a genetic selection program to improve AFB resistance can be a long-term option. Further epigenetic sensitization of the AFB-susceptible poultries through mild AFB exposures is getting reported as an emerging genetic approach to counter AFB susceptibilities. The chapter discusses most of these, in greater detail.

Evaluation of the efficacy of humic acids to counteract the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 in turkey poults

“…The exposure of turkeys to AFB 1 negatively impacts productivity, causing significant economic losses and health problems in the poultry industry because of its toxicity ( 24 ). In an earlier study, a significant decrease in BWG and FCR was observed in poults fed diets with quantities equal to or higher than 400 ppb from 2 to 7 weeks of age ( 25 ).…”

“…The exposure of turkeys to AFB 1 negatively impacts productivity, causing significant economic losses and health problems in the poultry industry because of its toxicity (24).…”

Aflatoxins in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Prevalence, Global Health Concern, and Management from an Innovative Nanotechnology Approach: A Mechanistic Repertoire and Future Direction

“…Along with thermal processing, nonthermal techniques like cold plasma could be used to lower the levels of AFs in some nuts and seeds by as much as 95% . One of the efficient approaches to lower the AF content is the use of non-nutritive adsorbent in toxin contaminated feed to lower the availability of AFs . However, there are many disadvantages to such a technique, including the adsorbent’s insufficient specificity and its high cost.…”

“… 73 One of the efficient approaches to lower the AF content is the use of non-nutritive adsorbent in toxin contaminated feed to lower the availability of AFs. 74 However, there are many disadvantages to such a technique, including the adsorbent’s insufficient specificity and its high cost. Their use is also constrained by the accumulation of absorbents in the surroundings due to animal excretion because of their nondegradable property.…”