Effect of diatomaceous Earth Supplementation and Curcuma longa as Toxin Binder on Mitigating Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity in Concentrate Feed

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most potent and prevalent mycotoxins compromising feed safety and animal health, particularly in tropical regions where high humidity and temperature favor fungal growth. This study aimed to evaluate the combined efficacy of Curcuma longa supplementation and Diatramic—a diatomaceous earth-based adsorbent—for mitigating AFB1 contamination in commonly used concentrate feed ingredients. A completely randomized factorial design was implemented, testing four Diatramic inclusion levels (0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) in combination with three supplementation levels of Curcuma longa (1 g, 2 g, and 3 g) across four feed matrices: corn, soybean meal, rice powder, and wheat bran. A total of 48 experimental units were inoculated with Aspergillus spp. and incubated for 30 days under controlled conditions. AFB1 concentrations were quantified via commercial ELISA, and fungal contamination was measured as colony-forming units (CFU/g). Results showed that Diatramic at 1.5% and 2%, particularly when combined with higher doses of Curcuma longa, significantly reduced fungal growth and AFB1 levels, especially in corn, which exhibited the highest initial contamination. In treated groups, AFB1 levels decreased by more than 80%, with the 2% Diatramic + 3 g Curcuma longa treatment achieving nearly undetectable toxin levels (~0.6 ppb). Feed ingredient type influenced both fungal proliferation and adsorbent performance, with wheat bran and rice powder showing the lowest contamination. Statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of both Diatramic and Curcuma longa levels (P < 0.05), supporting their synergistic role in enhancing feed safety. These findings highlight a promising, cost-effective strategy that aligns with international feed safety regulations and contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3, and 12. Keywords: Diatomaceous earth, feed supplement, balanced feed, mycotoxins, oxidative stress, public health.