Introduction
The high demands of broiler production systems make animals highly susceptible to various physiological stressors, whether environmental, nutritional, sanitary, or management-related. The refinement of different genetic lines has contributed to optimizing yields and product quality. However, this evolution forces one to remain alert to any circumstance that may alter the physiological balance of the individuals, since, however imperceptible it may be, its repercussions on productive profitability can be significant.
One of the most persistent and complex risks to manage is the presence of mycotoxins in the feed. These contaminants, produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, not only limit growth but also act as immunosuppressive agents and generate oxidative stress at the cellular level. Multi-contamination, that is, the simultaneous presence of different mycotoxins, is especially dangerous due to the synergistic effects that enhance hepatic and digestive damage in broilers.
Within this context, BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® is positioned as a solution designed to strengthen antioxidant capacity, immune system functionality, and digestive balance. Its formula, based on natural grape and olive extracts, is rich in essential bioactive ingredients, such as hydroxytyrosol, a reference antioxidant agent in animal nutrition, or proanthocyanidins, natural polyphenols with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This combination restores the animal physiological balance, mitigating the impact of productive challenges.
Given this scenario, the present study was conducted with BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® to evaluate the efficacy of this multi-action liquid solution in broilers under conditions of physiological stress, specifically through exposure to a multi-contaminated diet by mycotoxins.
BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX®: proven efficacy against mycotoxins
The present study was developed through the collaboration between BIŌNTE and the Agrivet Research & Advisory technological center (India). The trial evaluated 144 Ross 308 male broilers over 42 days, subjected to a diet contaminated with high levels of mycotoxins in all phases: starter, grower, and finisher (Table 1).
Contamination (ppb)| Aflatoxins | Fumonisins | Ochratoxin A |
|
| Starter diet (1-10 days) | 76.2 | 1602.2 | 57.8 |
| Grower diet (11-24 days) | 83.1 | 1600.2 | 54.3 |
| Finisher diet (25-42 days) | 79.4 | 1702.1 | 54.2 |
Table 1. Contamination levels in the diets.
The animals were divided into two experimental groups: a first control group without supplementation and a second group receiving 2 mL of BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® per liter of drinking water.
Throughout the experimental period, different productive parameters were monitored, such as body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio. Likewise, mortality was controlled, and analyses of oxidative stress response biomarkers were performed, specifically through the gene expression analysis of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) and epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1).
The interest in these markers lies in the fact that, on one hand, Nrf2 acts as the main sensor of cellular oxidative stress, participating in the activation of antioxidant defenses, and, on the other hand, EPHX1 is an essential enzyme in the detoxification of toxic metabolites. Thus, monitoring the expression of these genes allows for the determination of the degree of aggression the organism suffers, as well as the capacity of BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® to neutralize said stress, optimizing physiological balance without exhausting the animal’s defense mechanisms.
After the 42-day trial, the analysis of the results showed a significant improvement in the productive performance of the animals supplemented with BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® (Figure 1). The body weight of the birds that received the product in the drinking water was 5.1% higher than that of the control group exposed only to the contaminated diet. This positive trend was also reflected in the average daily gain, which increased by 5.2%, demonstrating that the bioactive ingredients allow the bird to maintain its growth rate despite the pressure exerted by mycotoxins.
Furthermore, being the most determinant parameter regarding economic efficiency, BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® demonstrated its capacity to optimize the feed conversion ratio, which experienced a reduction of 4.8%. This improvement indicates a much more efficient transformation of feed into muscle mass, maximizing profitability and global productive performance.
Figure 1. Productive parameters monitored.
The survival rate of the animals was another parameter strengthened during the study, recording a reduction in mortality of 4.2%, compared to the group that did not receive the supplementation (Figure 2). This positive impact is due to the high antioxidant capacity of the natural extracts that contribute to cellular health and hepatic functionality, ensuring an efficient immune response. On one hand, by modulating inflammatory responses, unnecessary energy expenditure is avoided, allowing the bird to redirect those resources toward its development. On the other hand, the antimicrobial properties of the solution contribute to the balance of the microbial population within the digestive environment, limiting the proliferation of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that could compromise health in broilers.
Figure 2. Registered mortality.
Finally, the study validated the efficacy of BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® by monitoring oxidative stress response biomarkers (Figure 3). Nrf2, which acts as the main cellular oxidation sensor, showed a 41.8% reduction in its expression. This significant decrease evidences that the degree of aggression suffered by the organism is drastically lower, optimizing metabolic savings by reducing the cell’s need to activate its internal antioxidant mechanisms. In addition, the EPHX1 enzyme, essential for the detoxification of toxic metabolites, presented a reduction of 6.3%. Taken together, these genomic data confirm the supplement’s capacity to neutralize oxidative stress and protect the physiological integrity of broilers.
Figure 3. Biomarkers of genomic response to oxidative stress.
Conclusion
BIŌNTE® QUIMITŌX® LIVŌX® is consolidated as a multifunctional solution based on grape and olive extracts with high bioavailability. Its antioxidant capacity promotes cellular health and, consequently, improves liver functionality. Administered through the drinking water, it contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiota and modulates the immune response, optimizing energy use and avoiding unproductive energy expenditure. Altogether, these effects result in a substantial improvement in the productive performance of broilers, validated by the genomic and zootechnical results of the present study.
