Evaluation of the Effect of Aloe vera Extract on Aflatoxin B1 in Chicken Breast Muscle

Background & Aims of the Study: Among aflatoxins, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is more toxic and dangerous. The presence of AFB1 in poultry feed is one of the most critical health and economic problems in the poultry industry. The critical concern caused by AFB1 contamination in the poultry industry is the transfer of toxins from the poultry feed to its products, such as meat, eggs, and edible parts. Thus, developing scientific strategies for controlling aflatoxin in poultry nutrition and protecting public health is very important. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera extract in reducing the harmful effects of AFB1. Materials & Methods: In this study, broilers were selected and divided into three groups. Group 1 is the negative control group, received a basal diet. Group 2 is the positive control group, received a diet supplemented with AFB1. Group 3 was administered AFB1 and 100 ppm Aloe vera powder mixed in their diet. At the end of the experiment (Day 28), the birds were humanely euthanized, and their breast meat samples were collected. The toxin residue in muscles was measured by a commercial AFB1 detection kit. Results: No toxin was detected in the negative control group. In the third group, the residual amount of toxin was decreased by treating Aloe vera, but this difference was not significant. Significant differences are likely to be observed at higher doses. Conclusion: Supplementation of the diet containing AFB1 with Aloe vera extract effectively reduced the adverse effects of AFB1 and could be a helpful solution for the aflatoxicosis problem.