Mitigating T-2 Toxin-Induced Immunosuppression In Ducks: Effects Of Mycofix® Plus 5.0And Silymarin On Innate Immunity

This experiment investigates the effects of T-2 toxin on innate immune function of ducks and explores the protective capacity of Mycofix Plus 5.0 and silymarin.Six groups of ducks (10 birds per group) received a diet with different combinations of the three substances for 6 weeks, where the levels of the alternative pathway of complement activation (APCA), lysozyme, and beta-lysine activity were checked on 21 and 42 days of challenge.Exposure to T-2 toxin (1mg/kg feed) initiated early immune activation, followed by dramatic decrease in all parameters by day 42.The applied mycotoxin detoxifier (15g/kg feed) demonstrated great potential to moderate the impact of the T-2 toxin on APCA and lysozyme levels but lacked a dedicated immune stimulation effect.The application of silymarin (20g/kg feed) displayed limited protection against T-2 toxin but exhibited great potential to boost innate immunity when applied alone.The experiment confirmed the immunosuppressive effect of T-2 toxin and highlighted the need for integration of mycotoxin detoxifiers in poultry diets.