A specific probiotic bacteria called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 significantly protects chicken livers from damage caused by deoxynivalenol, a toxic substance found in contaminated grain. In a study of 144 broiler chickens, those receiving the probiotic with contaminated feed showed restored growth, healthier liver tissue, reduced inflammation, and stronger natural defense systems compared to chickens exposed to the toxin alone. According to Gram Research analysis, the probiotic works by restoring healthy gut bacteria and boosting the liver’s antioxidant capacity.
A new study shows that a specific probiotic bacteria called Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 can protect chicken livers from damage caused by deoxynivalenol, a toxic substance found in contaminated grain. Researchers fed 144 baby chickens either normal feed, feed contaminated with the toxin, or feed with both the toxin and the probiotic. The chickens that received the probiotic recovered their growth and had healthier livers with less inflammation and damage. The probiotic worked by changing the bacteria in the chickens’ digestive systems and boosting their natural defense systems. According to Gram Research analysis, this discovery could help chicken farmers protect their flocks from a common and costly problem.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 144 broiler chickens found that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 supplementation significantly restored growth performance and prevented liver damage in chickens fed deoxynivalenol-contaminated feed at 5 mg per kilogram of diet.
Research in 144 broiler chickens showed that the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 reversed harmful changes in gut bacteria caused by deoxynivalenol exposure, reducing pathogenic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus while increasing beneficial bacteria.
A 2026 study of broiler chickens demonstrated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in birds exposed to the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol.
Research identified a specific compound called Glu-Phe that was elevated in chickens receiving the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01, and this compound was positively correlated with beneficial gut bacteria and liver antioxidant gene expression.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a probiotic bacteria could protect chicken livers from damage caused by deoxynivalenol, a poisonous substance that contaminates grain and feed
- Who participated: 144 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens divided into three groups: a control group eating normal feed, a group eating feed with the toxin, and a group eating feed with both the toxin and the probiotic bacteria
- Key finding: Chickens that received the probiotic bacteria showed significantly better growth, healthier livers with less damage, reduced inflammation, and stronger natural defense systems compared to chickens exposed to the toxin alone
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or work in poultry farming, this suggests that adding this specific probiotic to feed could be a practical way to protect flocks from a common toxin problem. However, this research was done in chickens, so results may not directly apply to other animals or humans without further testing
The Research Details
Researchers divided 144 baby chickens into three equal groups when they were one day old. The first group ate normal feed as a baseline. The second group ate feed containing 5 milligrams of deoxynivalenol per kilogram of feed, which is a realistic level of contamination found in real farming situations. The third group ate the same contaminated feed but with added probiotic bacteria at a concentration of 1 billion colony-forming units per gram of feed. The researchers then measured how well the chickens grew, examined their livers for damage, tested their blood for signs of stress and inflammation, and analyzed the bacteria living in their digestive systems. They also used advanced chemical analysis to identify specific molecules in the chickens’ blood that might explain how the probiotic worked.
This research approach is important because it looks at the problem from multiple angles. Instead of just measuring whether chickens got sick or died, the researchers examined the actual damage to liver cells, the balance of bacteria in the gut, and the chemical changes in the blood. This multi-layered approach helps explain not just that the probiotic worked, but how it worked. Understanding the mechanism makes it more likely that the findings could be applied in real farming situations and potentially adapted for other species
The study used a clear experimental design with three well-defined groups and a reasonable sample size of 144 animals. The researchers measured multiple outcomes including growth performance, liver damage, inflammation markers, gut bacteria composition, and blood chemistry. They also confirmed their findings with laboratory tests on liver cells. The study was published in Poultry Science, a peer-reviewed journal focused on chicken and poultry research. However, this was an animal study in chickens, so results would need to be confirmed in other species before applying to humans or other animals
What the Results Show
Chickens exposed to the toxic mold substance showed clear signs of liver damage, including damaged liver cells, increased oxidative stress (a type of cellular damage), and inflammatory responses. When researchers added the probiotic bacteria to the contaminated feed, these harmful effects were significantly reduced. The chickens that received the probiotic had better growth rates, healthier liver tissue under the microscope, and lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. The probiotic also boosted the chickens’ natural antioxidant systems, which are the body’s built-in defense against cellular damage. Additionally, chickens receiving the probiotic showed improved overall health and recovery compared to those exposed to the toxin alone.
The research revealed that the probiotic worked by restoring healthy bacteria in the chickens’ small intestines. Specifically, the toxic substance had caused an imbalance in gut bacteria, with harmful bacteria like Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus becoming more common. The probiotic reversed this imbalance by increasing beneficial bacteria like Ligilactobacillus and Lactobacillus. The researchers also discovered that the probiotic changed the chemical composition of the chickens’ blood, particularly affecting energy production pathways and fat metabolism. They identified a specific compound called Glu-Phe, a small protein fragment, that appeared to be a key messenger between the gut bacteria and the liver’s defense systems
Previous research has shown that deoxynivalenol is a serious problem in poultry farming, causing liver damage and reducing growth. This study builds on that knowledge by demonstrating that probiotics can actively reverse the damage rather than just preventing it. Earlier studies suggested that probiotics might help, but this research provides detailed evidence of how the protection works at the cellular and molecular level. The finding that gut bacteria changes are connected to liver health supports growing scientific understanding that the bacteria in our digestive systems influence organ health throughout the body
This study was conducted only in chickens, so the results may not directly apply to other animals or humans without additional research. The study used only one specific strain of probiotic bacteria, so other probiotic strains might work differently or not at all. The research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions, which may not perfectly match real farming environments where many other factors could affect results. The study did not test different doses of the probiotic to find the optimal amount. Additionally, the long-term effects of probiotic supplementation were not studied, so we do not know if benefits continue over extended periods
The Bottom Line
For poultry farmers dealing with deoxynivalenol contamination, this research suggests that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 supplementation may be worth considering as part of a management strategy. The evidence is strong for chickens specifically, showing clear benefits in growth, liver health, and disease resistance. However, farmers should consult with veterinarians and nutritionists before implementing this strategy, as real-world conditions may differ from laboratory settings. This approach appears most promising as a preventive measure rather than a treatment for already-sick birds. Confidence level: Moderate to high for broiler chickens, but lower for other species without additional research
Poultry farmers and producers who raise broiler chickens should pay attention to this research, especially those in regions where grain contamination with deoxynivalenol is common. Feed manufacturers and animal nutrition specialists may also find this useful for developing new products. Veterinarians who work with poultry operations could recommend this approach to their clients. Researchers studying probiotics and animal health should consider this work as a foundation for further studies. This research is less immediately relevant to people who raise other types of animals or to human health, though the underlying mechanisms might eventually apply to other species
Based on the study design, the protective effects of the probiotic appeared to develop over the course of the chickens’ growth period, which is typically 6 to 7 weeks for broiler chickens. Farmers could expect to see improvements in growth rates and health markers within this timeframe if they added the probiotic to contaminated feed. However, the study did not track effects beyond the standard growth period, so longer-term benefits are unknown. Results would likely be most noticeable in flocks that would otherwise show signs of toxin exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can probiotics protect chickens from mold toxins in feed?
Yes, research shows that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PA01 significantly protects broiler chickens from deoxynivalenol toxin damage. In a study of 144 chickens, the probiotic restored growth, prevented liver damage, and reduced inflammation compared to chickens exposed to the toxin alone.
How does the probiotic bacteria protect chicken livers?
The probiotic works through multiple mechanisms: it restores healthy gut bacteria balance, boosts the liver’s natural antioxidant defense systems, and reduces inflammatory responses. It also increases a protective compound called Glu-Phe in the blood that supports liver health.
What is deoxynivalenol and why is it a problem for chickens?
Deoxynivalenol is a toxic substance produced by mold that contaminates grain and feed. It damages chicken liver cells, causes oxidative stress, triggers inflammation, and reduces growth performance. It is a significant challenge in poultry farming worldwide.
Would this probiotic work for other animals or humans?
This study was conducted only in chickens, so results cannot be directly applied to other species without additional research. The underlying mechanisms suggest potential benefits for other animals, but separate studies would be needed to confirm effectiveness and safety.
How long does it take to see benefits from adding this probiotic to feed?
Based on the study design, protective effects appeared to develop over the chickens’ growth period of 6 to 7 weeks. Farmers could expect to see improvements in growth rates and health markers within this timeframe when adding the probiotic to contaminated feed.
Want to Apply This Research?
- For poultry farmers using a farm management app, track daily feed consumption per bird, weekly weight gain measurements, and any visible signs of illness or poor growth. Record liver health indicators at processing time, including color and texture observations. Monitor feed contamination test results and probiotic supplementation dates to correlate with flock performance metrics
- Implement a feed management protocol that includes regular testing for deoxynivalenol contamination in grain supplies. When contamination is detected, add the probiotic supplement to feed at the recommended concentration and track flock performance daily through the app. Document any changes in growth rates, feed efficiency, and bird health compared to previous contaminated batches without probiotic supplementation
- Establish a baseline by recording flock performance metrics during normal, uncontaminated feeding periods. When contamination occurs, use the app to compare current flock performance against this baseline and against historical data from contaminated batches without probiotic treatment. Track metrics weekly and adjust supplementation strategies based on observed improvements in growth, health, and feed efficiency over the 6 to 7 week growth cycle
This research was conducted in broiler chickens and shows promising results for protecting poultry from deoxynivalenol toxin exposure. However, these findings are specific to chickens and have not been tested in humans or other animal species. Before implementing any probiotic supplementation strategy in your poultry operation, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutrition specialist familiar with your specific farming conditions. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or agricultural advice. Results in real-world farming conditions may differ from laboratory findings due to variations in feed quality, environmental factors, and management practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.