Occurrence and Carry-Over of Mycotoxins in Eggs and Internal Tissues of Laying Hens: Effects on Productivity and Egg Quality and the Mitigating Role of Bioactive Feed Supplementation

Description :

Poultry production in Lebanon relies on imported feeds often exposed to poor storage and transport conditions, promoting fungal contamination and mycotoxin production. In laying hens, dietary mycotoxins even at low levels can impair organ function, immunity, productivity, and egg quality. Moreover, carry over into eggs poses a food safety risk, particularly for vulnerable populations. Data on egg contamination in Lebanon are scarce, and mechanisms linking exposure to residue accumulation remain unclear. This project is structured in three stages. First, a national survey of approximately 1000 commercial egg batches will quantify major mycotoxins AFB1, OTA, DON, ZEN, FB1 using ELISA screening and LCMSMS validation, analyzing prevalence, co occurrence, and compliance with Lebanese and EU limits. Second, controlled dietary trials in 240 hens of three commercial breeds will assess carry over of mycotoxins from feed to eggs and organs over 12 weeks, evaluating productivity, egg quality, organ health, and breed specific resilience. Carry over rates and dose response relationships will be calculated. Third, mitigation strategies using probiotics, bioactive compounds grape or olive polyphenols, yeast fractions, and synbiotics will be tested in 180 hens to reduce residues, restore productivity, and preserve egg quality under high toxin exposure. Expected outcomes include the first national dataset on egg contamination, quantitative carry over rates, identification of resilient breeds, and validated dietary interventions. Findings will guide poultry producers and regulators in Lebanon, supporting consumer safety, improved egg quality, and evidence based mycotoxin management.

Titulaire :
KHOURY André

Contact USJ :
andre.khoury@usj.edu.lb

Chercheur(s) :
Pr André KHOURY
Dr Rouaa DAOU
Pr Rabih RAMMOUZ (EL)
Dr Wadih SKAFF (EL)

Projet présenté au CR, le : 01/09/2026

Projet achevé auprès du CR : 01/09/2029