Implication of Aflatoxin (Aspergillus flavus) Reduction Strategies in Maize Based Poultry Feeds on Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

Aflatoxin contamination in maize-based poultry diets is a serious threat to poultry productivity and public health. This study evaluated the efficacy of graded levels of ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder as an aflatoxin-reducing agent in broiler diets. Two maize sources (Aflasafe maize and Aspergillus flavus-infested maize) were formulated into five dietary treatments: T1 (Aflasafe maize with 0% ginger), T2 (infested maize +5% ginger), T3 (infested maize +10% ginger), T4 (infested maize +15% ginger), and T5 (infested maize +20% ginger). A total of 180, Agri-tech day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to treatments and monitored over 8 weeks. Growth performance, hematological indices, serum biochemistry, and bio-economic indices were measured. Results revealed that higher inclusion levels of ginger significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to infested maize without ginger supplementation. Hematological parameters including packed cell volume and total leukocyte count were significantly improved in T3–T5. Serum biochemical indices showed reduced serum ALT and AST in ginger-supplemented groups, indicating hepato-protective effects. Bio-economic analysis revealed superior profitability in T3 and T4 relative to T2. The study concluded that dietary inclusion of ginger up to 15% effectively mitigates aflatoxin toxicity while improving broiler productivity and profitability.