Serum Enzyme-Based Assessment of Hepatotoxicity from Aflatoxin Contamination in Stored Groundnut Meal Used in Poultry Diets in Kano State, North West Nigeria

Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut meal, a widely used protein supplement in Nigerian poultry rations, poses a serious hepatotoxic risk to commercial flocks. This study applied serum enzyme markers to assess hepatotoxicity attributable to aflatoxin-contaminated groundnut meal in commercial laying hens in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Sixty Isa Brown layers were fed diets incorporating groundnut meal samples analysed for aflatoxin content by high-performance liquid chromatography. Three dietary groups were established: control with non-contaminated meal and two groups receiving diets with aflatoxin levels at 50 ppb and 200 ppb for six weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and total bilirubin were assayed biweekly. All three hepatic enzymes rose in a concentration-dependent manner in contaminated-feed groups, with the 200 ppb group showing a fourfold increase in alanine aminotransferase by week six. Egg production was significantly reduced in the 200 ppb group. Gross post-mortem findings confirmed hepatomegaly and pallor in high-aflatoxin birds. These findings demonstrate the practical utility of serum enzyme panels as early biomarkers of aflatoxin hepatotoxicity and support implementation of aflatoxin surveillance and feed quality control programmes at Kano State feed mills and poultry enterprises. Keywords: aflatoxin, groundnut meal, hepatotoxicity, serum enzymes, poultry.