Introduction: Detoxification of contaminated poultry feed is an important way to reduce
aflatoxin contamination in the human food chain. Peppermint has the ability to inhibit the
growth of Aspergillus flavus as well as control of aflatoxin B1.
Materials & Methods: In this study 640 seven-day-old Japanese quail were assigned in a
completely randomized design as 2×4 factorial arrangement with two levels of aflatoxin (0 and
2.5 mg/kg diet) and four additives (no additive; peppermint powder, 20 g/kg; peppermint
essential oil, 800 mg/kg and menthol powder, 400 mg/kg of diet) in 8 treatments with 5
replications and 16 birds each.
Results: Villus height was significantly higher in quails fed with essential oil and peppermint
powder and aflatoxin-free treatments (P<0.05). Without additive-with aflatoxin treatment
showed lower lactic acid bacteria population compared to treatments with aflatoxin along with
additives (P<0.05). Menthol and essential oil in birds fed with aflatoxin treatments
significantly increased red blood cell and white blood cell counts, respectively (P<0.05). Quails
fed with treatment without additives and containing aflatoxin had the highest amount of
cholesterol and LDL (P<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, peppermint powder at the level of 20 g/kg
of feed, as well as its essential oil and menthol can be used to reduce the negative effects of
aflatoxin on absorptive capacity and beneficial microbiota of intestine and blood parameters
of growing Japanese quail.