This study aimed to evaluate the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) adsorption capacity of the seaweed Lithothamnium calcareum in vitro and to prevent aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens. In vitro adsorption assays were performed at a single AFB1 concentration (1 μg/mL) and four seaweed concentrations (0.50, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg/mL) at pH 3 and pH 6. The maximum adsorption was obtained at the lowest seaweed content (0.62 and 0.78 μg/mg). Male broiler chickens (256) were housed in metallic cages. Experimental diets were T1 (control), 18 μg/kg AFB1; T2, 18 μg/kg AFB1 and 0.2% L. calcareum (2.0 kg/ton); T3, 1018 μg/kg AFB1; and T4, 1018 μg/kg AFB1 and 0.2% L. calcareum. Performance parameters (live weight, weight gain and feed conversion rate) improved when seaweed was applied. The aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase levels tend to decrease in birds receiving only seaweed, also the uric acid levels reduced significantly (P ˂ 0.05), while birds receiving only AFB1 increased the biochemical parameter levels. The livers from animals fed with AFB1 showed histopathological alterations with disorganization of periportal hepatocytes, necrosis with multifocal coagulation and mild fat degeneration; the livers from T4 had normal appearance. Lithothamnium calcareum was able to prevent aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens and also improved their zootechnical performance.
Keywords: Aflatoxicosis prevention; Aflatoxin B1 adsorption; Broiler chickens; Lithothamnium calcareum seaweed; Productive parameters.