Abstract

---

Aflatoxin contamination in poultry feed poses a significant threat to both poultry health and food safety. This study aimed to explore the potential of using Candida tropicalis, isolated from palm wine, to detoxify aflatoxins in poultry feed ingredients. In this study, Candida tropicalis was isolated from palm wine samples collected within Akure metropolis, Ondo State, Nigeria. The isolated yeast strain was identified morphologically, through sugar fermentation tests and molecularly. Concurrently, toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains was isolated from contaminated poultry feed ingredients and was confirmed for aflatoxin production through quantification using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The ability of the isolated Candida tropicalis to degrade aflatoxins was assessed by inoculating toxigenic A. flavus into formulated poultry feed, followed by treatment with a suspension of C. tropicalis. The detoxification efficacy was evaluated by comparing the aflatoxin levels in treated and untreated feed samples. The in vivo effects of detoxified feed on broiler chickens, dividing them into five dietary groups and their haematological and liver enzyme parameters were monitored using standard techniques. Broilers fed with Candida tropicalis-treated feed showed improved hematological profiles, including higher white blood cell counts, compared to those fed with aflatoxin-contaminated feed. Additionally, liver enzyme activity was closer to normal in broilers consuming detoxified feed, demonstrating the protective effects of Candida tropicalis. Findings of the research demonstrates the potential of Candida tropicalis, as an effective biological agent for mitigating the effects of aflatoxins in poultry feeds.

Keywords: Aflatoxins, Candida tropicalis, detoxification, haematological parameters