Phytobiotics as a sustainable strategy to mitigate aflatoxin-induced toxicity in broiler: a continuous random-effects meta-analysis

SUMMARYAflatoxin contamination in broiler feed remains a significant threat to animal health and food security, prompting the search for sustainable mitigation strategies. This meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of phytobiotics in reducing the impact of aflatoxins on broilers. A comprehensive literature search, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, identified eligible studies published up to October 2024. Standardised mean differences were calculated for critical parameters, including performance, serum biochemistry, serum antioxidant and liver antioxidant profile, and intestinal morphology. Results showed that aflatoxin contamination harms broiler growth, liver function, and oxidative balance. Aflatoxin significantly (p<0.001) reduced feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), final body weight, and carcass yield, while increasing feed conversion ratio, mortality, and relative liver weight. The phytobiotic on aflatoxin-contaminated feed partially mitigated some adverse effects but also resulted in reduced feed intake, BWG, carcass yield, and elevated mortality and liver weight. In terms of serum biochemistry, aflatoxin significantly decreased cholesterol (p < 0.002), total protein, albumin, globulin, and phosphorus (p < 0.001), while increasing uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (p < 0.001). Phytobiotic on aflatoxin-contaminated feed reduced low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol levels (p < 0.001), but it also lowered calcium levels. Aflatoxin induced oxidative stress by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione) (p < 0.001). Although phytobiotics on aflatoxin-contaminated feed significantly improved the total antioxidant capacity and SOD levels in the liver, their effect on MDA levels and other antioxidants was limited. No significant changes were observed in intestinal villus height or villus height to crypt depth ratio, although phytobiotics increased crypt depth. Although phytobiotics on aflatoxin-contaminated feed show promise in alleviating some of these impacts, particularly in enhancing antioxidant capacity and maintaining performance, their protective effect on feed intake, mortality, and carcass yield remains limited. Further optimisations of phytobiotic formulations may increase their efficacy in aflatoxin detoxification strategies.