The effects of multiple low-level mycotoxins contaminated maize on the production performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens.

Abstract

 1. The present study investigated the effects of mild mycotoxin contaminated maize with low levels of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin (FUM) on the production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens.2. A total of 378 healthy, 80-week-old Hy-line brown laying hens were divided into three groups (with six replicates per group and 21 hens per replicate): basal control diet (containing 0.534 mg/kg FUM), a diet replacing uncontaminated maize with 50% (containing 24.7 μg/kg AFB₁, 37.2 μg/kg ZEA, 0.30 mg/kg DON, and 3.23 mg/kg FUM) or 100% (containing 26.5 μg/kg AFB₁, 66.5 μg/kg ZEA, 0.30 mg/kg DON, and 4.73 mg/kg FUM) mycotoxin contaminated maize, respectively, for six weeks experimental period.3. Compared to the control group, hens fed diets with contaminated maize had decreased laying rate, yolk colour and Haugh units, and increased feed-to-egg ratio. The contaminated diets reduced activities of total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione content and increased malondialdehyde content in magnum, isthmus and the oviduct. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-2 concentrations were enhanced and IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations were reduced by feeding contaminated diets.4. Therefore, feeding contaminated maize impaired the laying performance and egg quality of laying hens, negatively affected the antioxidant and immune system.