The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of protexin (probiotic),
inulin (
prebiotic) and both (synbiotics), when included in a diet containing
aflatoxins and fed to growing broiler chicks (from 1 to 21 days old). The criteria of the evaluation included
body weight gain, haematological profile and biochemistry, in addition to associated lesions in chicks. A total of 160 Hubbard male day-old broiler chicks were separated into eight groups that all received different diets (additional
aflatoxins, protexin,
inulin and symbiotic). The birds were weighed and sacrificed at the age of 21 days. Compared to the controls,
aflatoxins alone significantly (p<0.05) decreased
body weight gain in one group. No difference in
body weight gain was found in three groups, indicating apparent protection against the deleterious effects caused by
aflatoxins. The
weight gain of chicks fed on the diet containing synbiotics alone or synbiotics and
aflatoxins was significantly (p<0.05) greater than that of chicks on a diet containing the other treatments. The birds the second group showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in the haematological parameters in comparison with the controls. The biochemical analysis showed a considerable (p<0.05) increase in the serum
alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl
transferase (GGT),
alkaline phosphatase (ALP),
uric acid and
creatinine levels, with a reduction in the serum total
proteins,
albumin and
globulins. The addition of protexin,
inulin, or both, diminished the adverse effects of
aflatoxins. Finally, it was concluded that the protexin,
inulin and synergism of both are effective in the amelioration of the toxic effects of
aflatoxins that may be present in poultry rations at levels up to 4 mg/kg diet. Synbiotics (protexin and
inulin) are more effective than the protexin and the
inulin alone which are variable in the alleviation of toxic effects caused by
aflatoxins.