Effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris on growth, antioxidant status, muscle amino acids, and pathological alterations in broilers exposed to aflatoxin B1

Abstract

The goal of this investigation was to clarify the impact of a diet containing aflatoxin B1(AFB1), Chlorella vulgaris, and their mixture on performance, oxidative status, Muscle Amino Acids, and pathological alterations in broilers. 200 male, one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allocated into 4 dietary treatment groups, each including 50 birds. Each treatment consisted of five replicates, totalling 10 birds per treatment. Each group was administered targeted dietary supplements. T1 received a basic diet devoid of additions. T2 received a treatment of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1. T3 received a treatment of 1 g/kg of Chlorella. T4 received a treatment of 2.5 mg/kg of AFB1 and 1 g/kg of Chlorella. The findings indicated that AFB1 diminished growth performance and induced hepatic damage, as seen by elevated liver enzymes and impaired lipid metabolism(p < 0.05). Furthermore, AFB1 generated oxidative stress, characterised by a significant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reductions in glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Conversely, the phagocytic index was considerably (p < 0.05) reduced by AFB1 toxicity, but phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were enhanced by dietary Chlorella. Furthermore, Chlorella supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.05) energy biomarkers and coenzyme Q10 in the liver and significantly boosted amino acid profiles. Also, a histopathological examination of breast muscles and intestines is performed to evaluate different microscopical alterations. Collectively, dietary Chlorella supplementation effectively mitigates AFB1 toxicity in broilers by enhancing growth performance, antioxidant status, muscle amino acid profiles, and reducing pathological alterations.