Sanket Rajkumar Dhapse, Mokshata Gupta* and Raju Kushwaha
Department of Animal Nutrition, DUVASU, Mathura (U.P.) – 281001
*Corresponding Author email- mokshata.gupta@upvetuniv.edu.in
India’s poultry industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for eggs and chicken meat. In the financial year 2022-23, the country produced approximately 138.38 billion eggs and 4.995 million metric tons (MMT) of poultry meat, accounting for 51.13% of the nation’s total meat production. However, this rapid expansion faces challenges, notably the contamination of poultry feed by mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are harmful substances produced by certain fungi that can contaminate feed and pose serious health risks to poultry. This issue is not just limited to India but is a global concern, affecting both animal health and economic stability. Even at subclinical levels, mycotoxins can impair poultry health by damaging the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys, leading to reduced feed efficiency and compromised immune responses. These health issues result in decreased productivity, with studies indicating a potential 10.5% reduction in production performance due to mycotoxin exposure. Economically, mycotoxin contamination leads to significant losses across the poultry sector. Producers face increased costs from reduced feed efficiency, impaired growth rates, and lower reproductive performance. Processors and consumers are also affected, as the overall quality and safety of poultry products decline. Addressing mycotoxin contamination is crucial to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the poultry industry. The primary mycotoxins affecting poultry include:
- Aflatoxins (AFB1,AFB2,AFG1,AFG2)
- Ochratoxins (OTA)
- Fumonisins (FB1,FB2)
- Trichothecenes (DON, T-2 toxin)
- Zearalenone (ZEA)
Maximum suggested level of mycotoxins
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set a maximum permissible level of aflatoxin B1 at 20 µg/kg or 20 ppb in all animal feeds including poultry feed. Indian regulatory bodies do not specifically define the regulatory limits for additional mycotoxins found in chicken feed, including ochratoxin A (OTA), Fumonisins (FB₁, FB₂), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, and zearalenone (ZEA). However, Industry frequently uses international recommendations to handle these mycotoxins. For example, when it comes to these mycotoxins in complete poultry feed, the European Union (EU) suggests the following recommendation values:
| Ochratoxin A (OTA) | 100 ppb |
| Fumonisins (FB₁ + FB₂) | 20 ppm |
| Deoxynivalenol (DON) | 5 ppm |
| Zearalenone (ZEA) | 500 ppb |
Effects of mycotoxins in poultry
- Aflatoxins– cause liver damage, immunosuppression, and poor growth.
- Ochratoxins– causes kidney damage, reduced egg production, and immunosuppression.
- Fumonisins– Affect liver, immune system, and nutrient absorption.
- Trichothecenes– Damage the gut, suppress immunity, and cause feed refusal.
- Zearalenone– Disrupts reproduction and reduces hatchability.
Control and Treatment
- Pre-harvest control: Preventing mycotoxin contamination in crops starts at the farm level with good management practices. Farmers can reduce the risk by improving irrigation systems, using fertilizers wisely, rotating crops, and choosing fungus-resistant varieties. Controlling pests also helps in minimizing fungal growth. Another effective method is replacing harmful aflatoxin-producing fungi with non-toxic strains, reducing the chances of contamination right from the start.
- Post-harvest control: Proper storage conditions are essential to protect harvested grains and feed from damage caused by insects and mechanical handling. Maintaining the right temperature, good air circulation, and proper moisture levels helps prevent spoilage. To further protect stored feed, chemical preservatives like sorbic acid and propionic acid are commonly used worldwide. These help in preventing mold growth and keeping the feed safe. In addition to these methods, advanced techniques such as gamma irradiation can be used to improve feed safety and quality.
- Treatment: Managing mycotoxin toxicity in poultry involves several strategies to reduce its harmful effects. A high-protein diet helps improve liver function and boost immunity. Supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) act as antioxidants, aiding in detoxification, while choline and methionine support liver protection and toxin removal. To prevent mycotoxins from being absorbed in the gut, binders such as bentonite, activated charcoal, and yeast cell walls are commonly used. Additionally, vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex help reduce oxidative stress, while probiotics and prebiotics promote gut health by breaking down toxins. For liver health, silymarin, selenium, and curcumin support liver regeneration, and enzymes like esterases and lactonases assist in breaking down toxins. Ensuring proper hydration and electrolyte balance also helps flush out toxins from the body.
Conclusion
Mycotoxin contamination in poultry feed is a serious yet often overlooked threat to poultry production. It affects bird health, reduces productivity, and causes significant economic losses. Preventive measures, proper storage, and effective treatments are essential to minimize its impact. Addressing this challenge is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and profitability of the poultry industry.
“Feed Smart, Farm Safe – Keep Mycotoxins Away!”