N-acetylcysteine as a feed additive to counteract ochratoxin A toxicity in poultry

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a toxic metabolite produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, is a significant contaminant in poultry feed and poses serious health risks by impairing growth, immunity, and organ function in broilers. This study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a known antioxidant and glutathione precursor, against OTA-induced clinicopathological and histopathological changes in broiler chickens. A total of 125 day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into five equal groups: control, OTA (400 µg/kg), NAC (100 mg/kg), OTA plus NAC, and OTA plus a commercial toxin binder. Birds were monitored over a five-week period for clinical signs, feed intake, body weight, gross and microscopic lesions, and serum biochemical parameters. Results revealed that OTA exposure significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced feed intake, weight gain, and serum protein levels, while increasing liver and kidney enzyme markers (ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine), indicating hepatic and renal impairment. Gross (macroscopic) and histological examinations confirmed organ damage in the OTA-treated group, with enlarged, pale, and friable livers, swollen kidneys, hepatocyte necrosis, and renal tubular degeneration. Notably, NAC supplementation mitigated these adverse effects, restoring performance, serum biochemistry, and tissue architecture that were comparable to those observed in the control group. The efficacy of NAC was comparable to the commercial toxin binder. These findings suggest that NAC is a promising and cost-effective feed additive for protecting poultry against OTA-induced toxicity.