A novel aflatoxin-binding Bacillus probiotic: Performance, serum biochemistry, and immunological parameters in Japanese quail

Two experiments were performed to screen bacilli isolated from quails for their aflatoxin removal potential and to assess the efficiency of their amelioration of experimental aflatoxicosis. Nonhemolytic bacilli were selected for in vitro aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) removal and conventional probiotic tests. The isolate with the highest scores was selected for assessment in field experiments and was identified as Berevibacillus laterosporus (Bl). In the second experiment, 125 male Japanese quails (21 d old) were divided into 5 groups with 5 replications to compare the toxin removal efficiency of Bl with that of a commercial toxin binder, improved Mill-bond-TX (IMTX). The experimental groups were as follows: Control (without any feed additive or AFB(1)); AFB(1) (2.5 mg/kg); AFB(1) + Bl (2.5 mg/kg + 10(8) cfu/mL); AFB(1)-IMTX (2.5 mg/kg + 2.5 g/kg); and Bl (10(8) cfu/mL). The greatest BW gain and slaughter and carcass weights were found in the Bl group and the lowest values were observed in the AFBi group (P < 0.05). Feeding AFBi alone to the chicks resulted in a significant decrease in serum albumin, total protein, and glucose and cholesterol levels but a significant increase in serum uric acid, urea, creatinin and phosphorus (P < 0.05). Treatment of birds on AFBi with Bl restored these to their original levels (P < 0.05). AFBi + Bl-fed birds had serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase; and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity similar to control birds (P < 0.05). Antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus was found to be lowest in the AFBi group but highest in the Bl group (P < 0.05). Antibody production against sheep red blood cells was lower in the AFBi group compared with the AFBi + Bl group (P < 0.05). Berevibacillus laterosporus supplementation of the AFBi diet restored the skin response to 2,4-dinitro 1-chlorobenzene to levels comparable with control birds (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that selected indigenous Bl is a promising probiotic with AFBi removal potential.