Research shows that a mixture of Bacillus licheniformis bacteria and baker’s yeast significantly protects pigeons from illness caused by mold-contaminated feed. In a 2026 study of 90 pigeons exposed to five different mold toxins for 60 days, this bacterial mixture reduced harmful inflammation in the blood, prevented intestinal and liver damage, and restored healthy gut bacteria better than two alternative bacterial mixtures. According to Gram Research analysis, this protective agent could help farmers prevent disease in birds exposed to moldy grain.
When birds eat contaminated feed with mold toxins, it can make them very sick. Researchers tested three different mixtures of helpful bacteria and other substances to see if they could protect pigeons from these toxins. According to Gram Research analysis, one mixture containing specific Bacillus bacteria and yeast worked best—it reduced harmful inflammation in the birds’ bodies, fixed damage to their intestines and livers, and restored healthy gut bacteria. This discovery could help farmers keep their birds healthier by adding these protective agents to animal feed.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article involving 90 pigeons found that a mixture of Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast reduced inflammatory markers in birds exposed to five different mold toxins simultaneously for 60 days.
In pigeons fed contaminated grain containing fumonisin, aflatoxin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, and deoxynivalenol, the bacterial mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) showed the strongest protection against tissue damage in the intestines and liver.
A 2026 pigeon study demonstrated that mold-contaminated feed reduced beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillus by 60% or more, but supplementing with Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast restored microbial balance in 60 days.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether special mixtures of bacteria could protect pigeons from getting sick when eating feed contaminated with multiple types of mold toxins.
- Who participated: 90 healthy pigeons divided into 5 groups of 18 birds each. All birds were similar in age and health at the start of the study.
- Key finding: All three bacterial mixtures reduced harmful inflammation caused by mold toxins, but the mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast (MBA II) worked the best, restoring gut health and reducing tissue damage.
- What it means for you: If you raise pigeons or other poultry, adding these protective bacteria to feed could help prevent illness from moldy grain. However, this research is in early stages and was only tested in pigeons—more testing in other birds and settings is needed before widespread use.
The Research Details
Researchers created five groups of pigeons. One group ate normal, clean feed. Another group ate feed mixed with 3% naturally moldy corn (containing five different mold toxins). The remaining three groups ate the contaminated feed but also received one of three different bacterial mixtures added at 1.5 grams per kilogram of feed. All birds ate this way for 60 days while researchers measured their health, blood chemistry, gut bacteria, and tissue damage.
The researchers chose this design because it mimics what happens in real farming—birds sometimes accidentally eat contaminated grain. By testing three different bacterial mixtures, they could find which one worked best. They measured inflammation markers in the blood, looked at tissue damage under a microscope, analyzed the bacteria living in the birds’ guts using DNA sequencing, and examined how genes were expressed in liver tissue.
This study design is important because it tests a real-world problem (mixed mold contamination) with practical solutions (feed additives). Rather than studying one toxin at a time, the researchers exposed birds to five different mold toxins simultaneously, which is more realistic. Testing three different bacterial mixtures helped identify which combination works best, making the findings more useful for farmers.
The study used a reasonable number of birds per group (18), which is standard for animal research. The 60-day exposure period is long enough to see health effects. The researchers used multiple measurement methods (blood tests, tissue examination, genetic analysis) to confirm their findings. However, this was a single study in one animal species, so results may not apply to other birds or animals. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal (Toxins), which means other experts reviewed it before publication.
What the Results Show
Birds that ate the moldy feed alone showed high levels of inflammatory chemicals in their blood (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), which are markers of the body fighting an infection or toxin. All three bacterial mixtures reduced these inflammatory chemicals, but MBA II (containing Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast) reduced them the most.
When researchers examined the birds’ intestines and livers under a microscope, they found that moldy feed caused inflammation and tissue damage. The bacterial mixtures prevented most of this damage, with MBA II showing the strongest protection. The intestinal lining, which is crucial for absorbing nutrients and keeping toxins out, was significantly better preserved in birds receiving MBA II.
Analysis of gut bacteria showed that mold toxins killed beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus) and allowed harmful bacteria (like Streptococcus) to multiply. All three bacterial mixtures helped restore a healthier balance, with MBA II being most effective at bringing back the good bacteria and reducing the bad ones.
Genetic analysis of liver tissue revealed that mold toxins disrupted normal cell functions related to cell growth and DNA repair. MBA II activated protective pathways in the immune system and improved the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate harmful invaders.
The study found that different bacterial mixtures had different strengths. MBA I (containing two Bacillus species and Devosia) and MBA III (containing Bacillus subtilis and glucose oxidase) provided moderate protection but were less effective than MBA II. This suggests that the specific combination of bacteria matters—having baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) alongside Bacillus licheniformis appears to create a stronger protective effect than other combinations.
Previous research has shown that individual mold toxins damage animal health, but most studies tested one toxin at a time. This study is more realistic because it tested five toxins together, which is what happens in contaminated grain. Earlier work suggested that beneficial bacteria could help, but this research identifies which specific bacterial combinations work best. The finding that baker’s yeast combined with Bacillus bacteria is particularly effective is new and suggests that future feed additives should include both bacteria and yeast.
This study only tested pigeons, so the results may not apply to chickens, turkeys, or other poultry. The study lasted 60 days, which is medium-term; longer studies would show if protection continues over a bird’s entire life. The researchers used naturally contaminated corn, which is realistic, but the exact mix of toxins varies in real-world grain. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, not on actual farms, so factors like stress, other diseases, or different feed types might change the results. Finally, the study didn’t test whether the protective effects continue after birds stop receiving the bacterial mixture.
The Bottom Line
For poultry farmers: If you suspect your feed is contaminated with mold, adding a bacterial mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast (similar to MBA II in this study) at 1.5 grams per kilogram of feed may help protect your birds. This recommendation has moderate confidence because it’s based on one controlled study in pigeons. Before using any feed additive, consult with a veterinarian and test your feed for mold contamination. For researchers: This study provides a foundation for testing these bacterial mixtures in other bird species and in farm settings.
Pigeon breeders and farmers should pay attention to this research. Poultry farmers raising chickens or turkeys might find it relevant, though more testing in those species is needed. Pet bird owners should be aware that moldy feed is dangerous, though this specific treatment hasn’t been tested in pet birds. Feed manufacturers and agricultural companies may be interested in developing similar products. People concerned about food safety should note that preventing mold contamination in animal feed is important for the safety of meat and eggs.
In this study, protective effects appeared within 60 days of adding the bacterial mixture to contaminated feed. In real-world use, farmers would likely see improvements in bird health (better growth, fewer sick birds) within 4-8 weeks. However, the best approach is preventing mold contamination in the first place through proper grain storage and handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use probiotics to protect my birds from moldy feed?
Research suggests specific bacterial mixtures containing Bacillus licheniformis and baker’s yeast may help protect birds from mold toxins. However, the best approach is preventing mold contamination through proper grain storage. Always consult a veterinarian before adding supplements to your birds’ feed.
What are the signs that my poultry has eaten moldy feed?
Signs include reduced appetite, decreased activity, poor feather quality, slower growth, and increased illness. Some birds may show no obvious symptoms but still suffer internal damage. If you suspect moldy feed, have it tested and switch to clean grain immediately.
How do mold toxins damage birds’ health?
Mold toxins trigger inflammation throughout the body, damage the intestinal lining (reducing nutrient absorption), harm the liver, and disrupt the balance of healthy gut bacteria. This weakens the immune system and makes birds more susceptible to disease.
Is this bacterial treatment safe for all types of poultry?
This study tested only pigeons, so safety and effectiveness in chickens, turkeys, or other birds is unknown. Before using any feed additive, consult your veterinarian and ensure the product is approved for your specific bird species.
How long does it take for protective bacteria to work?
In this 60-day study, protective effects appeared within the first few weeks. In real-world settings, farmers might see improvements in bird health within 4-8 weeks, though results depend on feed quality and other management factors.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you raise pigeons or poultry, track weekly bird health scores (activity level, appetite, feather condition on a 1-10 scale) and monthly weight gain. If using a protective feed additive, compare these metrics before and after implementation to measure real-world effectiveness.
- If you suspect moldy feed, immediately switch to clean feed and consider adding a probiotic supplement containing Bacillus and yeast species. Document the date of the feed change and monitor your birds daily for signs of improvement (increased activity, better appetite, healthier appearance).
- Establish a monthly feed quality check by visually inspecting grain for visible mold and storing feed in cool, dry conditions. Track bird health metrics in an app or spreadsheet, noting any illness outbreaks and their timing relative to feed changes. If using protective additives, maintain consistent dosing and monitor for any changes in bird behavior or health.
This research was conducted in pigeons under controlled laboratory conditions and has not been tested in other bird species or on commercial farms. The findings suggest potential benefits but do not constitute medical advice for treating sick animals. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before adding any supplements or additives to animal feed. This study does not replace proper feed storage practices, grain testing, or veterinary care. Results from animal studies may not directly apply to other species or real-world farming conditions. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat disease in your birds without professional veterinary guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.