Ficus spp. Composite Leaf Powder as a Dietary Supplement Mitigates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Alterations in Serum Biochemistry, Antioxidant Status, and Organ Weights of Two Broiler Breeds

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a composite Ficus spp. leaf powder, prepared from Ficus exasperata, Ficus carica, and Ficus thonningii, on serum biochemical indices, muscle antioxidant status, and organ weights of broiler chickens exposed to dietary aflatoxin B1. A total of 200 day-old broiler chicks from two commercial breeds, Arbor Acre and Cobb 500, were assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomised factorial arrangement for 42 days. The treatments comprised a control diet without aflatoxin B1 or Ficus supplementation, an aflatoxin B1-challenged diet, and aflatoxin B1-challenged diets supplemented with graded levels of the composite Ficus leaf powder. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples and selected organs were collected for biochemical, antioxidant, and organ-weight assessments. Aflatoxin B1 exposure altered serum biochemical responses, including reductions in total protein and globulin and increases in cholesterol and albumin. It also affected muscle antioxidant indices by increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing superoxide dismutase activity. Organ-weight responses showed reduced gizzard and liver weights and increased spleen weight in aflatoxin B1-challenged birds. Supplementation with the composite Ficus leaf powder, particularly at the higher inclusion level, improved several altered biochemical and antioxidant responses and moderated some organ-weight changes. No significant breed effect or breed by treatment interaction was observed for the measured parameters, suggesting similar responses in Arbor Acre and Cobb 500 broilers under the conditions of this study. The findings indicate that composite Ficus spp. leaf powder may help reduce some adverse biochemical and oxidative effects associated with aflatoxin B1 exposure in broiler chickens. Further verification under broader experimental and field conditions is recommended.