Aflatoxin B1 Impairs Bone Mineralization in Broiler Chickens
Deependra Paneru1, Milan Kumar Sharma1, Hanyi Shi1
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Toxins
|February 23, 2024
Summary
Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler feed negatively impacts bone health, reducing mineralization and disrupting nutrient absorption. Levels above 230 ppb impair bone quality and vitamin D receptor function.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Toxicology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin prevalent in corn-based animal feed, especially in tropical areas.
- AFB1 exposure is known to cause liver damage, oxidative stress, and cellular pathway disruption.
- Concerns exist regarding AFB1's potential negative effects on bone health in poultry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of increasing AFB1 levels in feed on bone mineralization markers in broilers.
- To determine the threshold of AFB1 contamination affecting broiler bone health.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which AFB1 influences bone metabolism and nutrient absorption.
Main Methods:
- A 19-day feeding trial with 360 broilers exposed to varying AFB1 levels ( <2, 75-80, 150, 230-260, and 520-560 ppb).
- Assessment of growth performance, tibial bone ash content, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) of femur bones.
- Analysis of jejunal mRNA expression for vitamin D receptor, calcium, and phosphorus transporters.
Main Results:
- Growth performance was unaffected up to Day 19.
- Tibial bone ash content decreased significantly at AFB1 levels >260 ppb.
- Micro-CT revealed reduced trabecular bone mineral content and density at 560 ppb AFB1.
- Cortical bone volume and tissue volume were reduced by AFB1 >230 ppb.
- Jejunal expression of vitamin D receptor, calcium, and phosphorus transporters was downregulated by AFB1 >75 ppb.
Conclusions:
- AFB1 contamination above 230 ppb negatively affects broiler bone health by impairing bone mineralization.
- Disruption of vitamin D receptor and calcium/phosphorus homeostasis contributes to bone health issues.
- AFB1 poses a significant risk to bone quality in broilers, even at levels previously considered safe for growth.
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