Aqueous Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract in drinking water mitigates aflatoxin B1 toxicity in broilers: effects on performance, biomarker analysis, and liver histology

This study evaluated aqueous Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract in drinking water as a mitigation strategy against Aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in broilers, focusing on performance, haematology, serum biochemistry, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cellular stress markers, and liver histology. Two hundred and forty (240) day-old chicks (mixed sex), of the Cobb 500 breed were divided into four groups: control (CONT), AFB1-exposed (AFLB1), and two treatment groups (VE1AF and VE2AF) receiving 0.5 mg/kg AFB1 and Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract at 1 g/L and 2 g/L, respectively. At 42 days, VE1AF and VE2AF chickens showed higher (P < 0.05) final weights and weight gains than CONT and AFLB1 groups. The red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cell counts were higher (P < 0.05) in CONT, VE1AF, and VE2AF groups compared to AFLB1. Mean cell volume, and mean cell haemaoglobin were higher (P < 0.05) in AFLB1 and VE2AF. Serum analysis revealed lower (P < 0.05) total protein, globulin, and albumin in AFLB1, which were restored by the extract. The tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ, were elevated (P < 0.05) in AFLB1 but reduced in VE1AF and VE2AF. The heat shock protein 70, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and adiponectin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in AFLB1, but were normalized by the extract in VE1AF and VE2AF. Leptin and triiodothyronine levels were significantly (P < 0.05) better in VE1AF and VE2AF, compared to AFLB1. Liver histology showed reduced inflammation in VE1AF and VE2AF, with near-normal hepatic architecture. In conclusion, Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract effectively counteracts AFB1 toxicity, enhancing overall health and performance in broiler chickens.