According to Gram Research analysis, adding AFETOXIN-BD to contaminated poultry feed significantly protects older laying hens from mycotoxin damage. In a 200-hen study, hens receiving the additive with contaminated feed produced substantially more eggs with stronger shells and better quality compared to hens eating contaminated feed without protection. The additive also reduced harmful toxins in the eggs themselves, improved the hens’ natural antioxidant defenses, and restored healthy gut bacteria populations.
Older laying hens face serious health challenges from mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that contaminate chicken feed. Researchers tested a product called AFETOXIN-BD to see if it could protect hens from these toxins. In a 35-day study with 200 hens, the additive successfully prevented the damage caused by mycotoxins, improving egg production, egg quality, and the hens’ overall health. The hens that received the additive produced more eggs, had stronger eggshells, and maintained healthier gut bacteria compared to hens eating contaminated feed without protection.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 200 laying hens found that AFETOXIN-BD supplementation at 0.1% of feed effectively mitigated the negative effects of multi-mycotoxin contamination on egg production, eggshell strength, and egg quality in late-phase laying hens.
Hens fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed without AFETOXIN-BD showed significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme activities and increased populations of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, while these negative effects were reversed when the additive was included in the feed.
In the 35-day study, hens receiving normal feed supplemented with AFETOXIN-BD demonstrated superior egg production and antioxidant activity compared to all other dietary treatments, suggesting benefits beyond toxin protection.
Mycotoxin residues detected in eggs from contaminated feed were significantly reduced when AFETOXIN-BD was added, improving food safety for consumers of eggs from treated flocks.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a feed additive called AFETOXIN-BD could protect laying hens from the harmful effects of mycotoxins (toxic substances in contaminated feed).
- Who participated: 200 brown laying hens that were 54 weeks old (near the end of their productive lives). The hens were divided into four groups of 50 hens each and fed different diets for 35 days.
- Key finding: Hens that ate contaminated feed with the AFETOXIN-BD additive produced significantly more eggs with stronger shells and better quality compared to hens eating contaminated feed without the additive. The additive also restored healthy gut bacteria and protective antioxidant levels.
- What it means for you: If you raise laying hens or buy eggs, this research suggests that using AFETOXIN-BD in feed can protect older hens from mycotoxin damage and improve egg safety and quality. However, this study was done in controlled conditions, so results may vary on different farms.
The Research Details
Researchers divided 200 laying hens into four equal groups and fed them different diets for 35 days. One group ate normal feed (the control). Another group ate feed contaminated with multiple types of mycotoxins. A third group ate normal feed plus the AFETOXIN-BD additive. The fourth group ate contaminated feed plus the AFETOXIN-BD additive. The researchers then measured egg production, egg quality, the hens’ health markers, and the presence of toxins in the eggs.
This type of study is called a controlled experiment because the researchers carefully controlled what each group ate and measured the results. By comparing the four groups, they could see exactly what effect the AFETOXIN-BD additive had on hens eating contaminated feed.
The study lasted 35 days, which is long enough to see real changes in egg production and health but short enough to be practical for research purposes.
This research approach is important because it tests the additive under realistic farm conditions with real hens. By using multiple groups and measuring many different outcomes (egg production, egg quality, gut health, and toxin levels), the researchers could see the full picture of how the additive works. Testing on actual laying hens is more reliable than laboratory tests alone because hens respond to feed differently than isolated cells or animals in artificial conditions.
This study has several strengths: it used a large number of hens (200), included multiple measurements of health and performance, and tested the additive against both normal and contaminated feed. The study was published in a respected scientific journal focused on poultry research. However, the study lasted only 35 days, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over longer periods. The study was conducted in controlled conditions, so results on different farms with different types of contamination might vary.
What the Results Show
Mycotoxin-contaminated feed without the additive caused serious problems. Hens eating this contaminated feed laid fewer eggs, and the eggs had weaker shells and lower quality. These hens also had lower levels of protective antioxidants in their bodies, which are substances that protect cells from damage.
When AFETOXIN-BD was added to the contaminated feed, it reversed most of these problems. Egg production improved significantly, eggshell strength increased, and egg quality returned to nearly normal levels. The additive also restored the hens’ antioxidant defenses, helping their bodies fight off the damage from toxins.
Interestingly, hens that ate normal feed with the AFETOXIN-BD additive actually performed better than hens eating normal feed without it. These hens laid more eggs and had better overall health markers. This suggests the additive may have benefits beyond just protecting against toxins.
The additive also improved the balance of bacteria in the hens’ digestive systems. Hens eating contaminated feed without the additive had more harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Adding AFETOXIN-BD restored healthy bacteria populations, which is important for digestion and immune function.
The study found that mycotoxins were actually present in the eggs from hens eating contaminated feed, which is a food safety concern. When the AFETOXIN-BD additive was used, the amount of toxins in the eggs decreased significantly. This means the additive not only protects the hens but also makes the eggs safer for human consumption. The hens eating contaminated feed also had higher levels of a harmful substance called malondialdehyde, which indicates cellular damage. The additive reduced this damage marker back to normal levels.
Previous research has shown that mycotoxins damage laying hens, especially older hens. This study confirms those findings and adds new information about how AFETOXIN-BD specifically works. The additive appears to work by breaking down the mycotoxins into less harmful substances and supporting the hens’ natural defense systems. Other studies have tested different mycotoxin-reducing products, but this is one of the first to test a product against multiple types of mycotoxins at once, which is more realistic because contaminated feed usually contains several different toxins.
The study lasted only 35 days, so we don’t know if the benefits continue if hens eat the additive for their entire productive lives. The study was conducted in a controlled research setting, so results might be different on commercial farms with different conditions. The study tested only one brand of additive at one dose level, so we don’t know if other products or different amounts would work better or worse. The study used only one breed of laying hen, so results might differ with other breeds.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, adding AFETOXIN-BD at 0.1% of the feed appears to be an effective way to protect laying hens from mycotoxin damage, especially in older hens. The evidence is fairly strong because the study measured multiple health outcomes and showed consistent improvements. However, farmers should also work to prevent mycotoxin contamination in the first place through proper feed storage and quality control. The additive should be considered one tool among several strategies to protect flock health.
This research is most relevant to commercial egg producers and people who raise laying hens. It’s particularly important for operations that struggle with feed contamination or that raise older hens. Consumers who care about egg safety and quality may also be interested because the additive reduces toxins in eggs. This research is less relevant to people who raise chickens for meat rather than eggs, though the principles may apply.
The study showed improvements within 35 days, so benefits should appear relatively quickly after starting the additive. However, the full protective effects on long-term health and productivity would take longer to evaluate. Farmers should expect to see improvements in egg production and quality within a few weeks of adding the product to feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mycotoxins in chicken feed actually get into the eggs we eat?
Yes, this study found that mycotoxins from contaminated feed do appear in eggs. When AFETOXIN-BD was added to contaminated feed, the amount of toxins in eggs decreased significantly, suggesting the additive improves food safety.
How long does it take for a feed additive to improve egg production in laying hens?
This study showed improvements within 35 days of adding AFETOXIN-BD to feed. Hens receiving the additive with contaminated feed produced significantly more eggs with better quality compared to hens without the additive.
What are mycotoxins and why are they dangerous for laying hens?
Mycotoxins are poisonous substances produced by molds that grow in grain and feed. They damage laying hens by reducing egg production, weakening eggshells, harming gut bacteria, and reducing the hens’ natural protective antioxidants.
Does AFETOXIN-BD help hens even when feed isn’t contaminated?
According to this research, yes. Hens fed normal feed with AFETOXIN-BD actually performed better than hens eating normal feed alone, showing higher egg production and better antioxidant activity.
Is AFETOXIN-BD safe to use in poultry feed?
This study shows AFETOXIN-BD effectively protects hens at 0.1% of feed without apparent harm. However, you should follow manufacturer guidelines and consult with a veterinarian before using any feed additive in your flock.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily egg production count and eggshell strength (using a simple pressure test) weekly for flocks receiving the additive. Compare these metrics to baseline measurements from before starting the supplement.
- Users managing laying hen flocks can set a reminder to add AFETOXIN-BD to feed at the recommended 0.1% rate and log feed batches with their contamination test results to monitor effectiveness over time.
- Establish a baseline measurement of egg production and quality before starting the additive, then measure the same metrics weekly. Track any changes in hen health, feed consumption, and egg characteristics in a simple spreadsheet to evaluate whether the additive is working on your specific farm.
This research describes results from a controlled 35-day study on laying hens. Results may vary based on farm conditions, feed sources, and management practices. AFETOXIN-BD is a commercial product and should be used according to manufacturer instructions. Consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist before making changes to your flock’s feed or adding supplements. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Always verify that any feed additives comply with local regulations and are appropriate for your specific operation.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.