Boosting antioxidant defense and enhancing product quality by biochar and probiotics under chronic aflatoxicosis in quails

Aflatoxins, particularly aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), are potent mycotoxins adversely affecting poultry performance, health, and product quality. Mitigation strategies are critical for poultry productivity. This study assessed the efficacy of Prosopis farcta biochar and Lactobacillus fermentum in mitigating AFB₁-induced toxicity in quails, with a focus on performance, antioxidant status, and product quality. Two experiments were conducted with quails during growing (7–35 days) and laying (70–98 days) periods under five dietary treatments: Negative Control (basal diet), Positive Control (AFB₁-contaminated diet), and AFB₁ diets supplemented with Mycofix Plus, biochar, or biochar combined with L. fermentum. Growth performance, antioxidant status, meat and egg quality, and liver enzyme activity were evaluated. AFB₁ significantly impaired performance, reduced meat and egg quality, and elevated oxidative stress and liver enzymes (P < 0.01). Supplementation with biochar, particularly in combination with L. fermentum, significantly alleviated these effects, improving body weight, glutathione peroxidase activity, and reducing malondialdehyde and liver enzyme levels (P < 0.01). Biochar and its combination with L. fermentum effectively mitigated aflatoxicosis in quails, enhancing health and productivity metrics. Integrating biochar and L. fermentum in poultry diets is a promising approach to managing mycotoxin challenges, improving economic and product quality outcomes in poultry systems.