Redox Modulation and Performance Outcomes in Broilers Supplemented with a Phytogenic Anti-Mycotoxin Agent

This study evaluated the effects of a phytogenic-based liquid anti-mycotoxin agent (grape and olive extracts) on the redox status, health, and performance of broilers. The experimental broilers were divided into two groups: (a) group C (control group) with 22,950 broilers and (b) group T (treatment group) with 23,256 broilers, including administration of 500 mL/ton of the tested agent in drinking water on the 9th-11th, and on the 23rd-25th and 31st-33rd day. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with a quadrupole time of flight analyzer was performed with fungal metabolites on liver samples. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), protein carbonyls (CARBs), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total protein, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) were determined in plasma. The relative abundance of the tenuazonic acid (TeA) was calculated for both groups, showing that the exposure of TeA was 83% lower in group T. TBARS and CARBs, as well as the levels of liver enzymes and total proteins, were significantly reduced, while TAC was increased in group T. No differences in mortality rate and a potential improvement in the growth performance of group T were noticed. In conclusion, administering a phytogenic-based liquid anti-mycotoxin agent to broiler positively affects redox status and mycotoxin management.