Evaluation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an antiaflatoxicogenic agent in broiler feedstuffs

Aflatoxins (AF) are the most important mycotoxins produced by toxigenic strains of various Aspergillus spp. Biological decontamination of mycotoxins using microorganisms is a well-known strategy for the management of mycotoxins in feeds. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains have been reported to bind aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)). The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of S. cerevisiae CECT 1891 in counteracting the deleterious effects of AFB(1) in broiler chicks. Experimental aflatoxicosis was induced in 6-d-old broilers by feeding them 1.2 mg of AFB(1)/kg of feed for 3 wk, and the yeast strain was administrated in feed (10(10) cells/kg), in the drinking water (5 x 10(9) cells/L), or a combination of both treatments. A total of 160 chicks were randomly divided into 8 treatments (4 repetitions per treatment). Growth performance was measured weekly from d 7 to 28, and serum biochemical parameters, weights, and histopathological examination of livers were determined at d 28. The AFB(1) significantly decreased the BW gain, feed intake, and impaired feed conversion rate. Moreover, AFB(1) treatment decreased serum protein concentration and increased liver damage. The addition of S. cerevisiae strain to drinking water, to diets contaminated with AFB(1), showed a positive protection effect on the relative weight of the liver, histopathology, and biochemical parameters. Furthermore, dietary addition of the yeast strain to drinking water alleviated the negative effects of AFB(1) on growth performance parameters. In conclusion, this study suggests that in feed contaminated with AFB(1), the use of S. cerevisiae is an alternative method to reduce the adverse effects of aflatoxicosis. Thus, apart from its excellent nutritional value, yeast can also be used as a mycotoxin adsorbent.