In the global poultry industry, one silent, yet formidable threat continues to cast a long shadow over production efficiency, animal health, and ultimately, food security—aflatoxin B1 contamination. Despite advancements in livestock nutrition and technology, this naturally occurring toxin, produced by certain molds in feed grains, remains one of the most potent hazards facing poultry farmers worldwide. Its harmful effects are well-documented: poor growth rates, weakened immune systems, reduced feed efficiency, and alarmingly, significant mortality rates. For years, industry stakeholders have sought reliable, scalable solutions to neutralize this invisible menace.
Leading the charge in this critical battle is distinguished researcher A.M. Ajao, whose visionary leadership has resulted in one of the most comprehensive, practical responses to aflatoxin contamination to date. His recently published, groundbreaking study in Livestock Science explores the use of innovative feed additives—specifically molecular clay and nano-clay adsorbents—to protect poultry from the devastating effects of contaminated diets.
Ajao’s work stands as a testament to scientific precision combined with real-world application. Recognizing the daily challenges farmers face in safeguarding their flocks, his research offers a lifeline to an industry struggling to cope with environmental factors, inadequate storage conditions, and the natural prevalence of fungal contamination in feed ingredients.
When I contacted Ajao, he spoke with unwavering determination about the driving force behind his research. “Aflatoxin contamination isn’t confined to one region or country—it’s a global issue. Wherever there are grain-based feeds, there is potential for mycotoxin contamination. I wanted to develop a solution that doesn’t merely treat the symptoms but addresses the root cause in a way that is affordable, scalable, and scientifically sound.”
To achieve this, Ajao and his team designed a meticulously controlled 12-week experiment involving 216 male turkeys. The birds were divided into groups fed diets contaminated with varying levels of aflatoxin—0, 60, and 110 parts per billion (ppb). In addition, the diets were supplemented either with no adsorbent, molecular clay adsorbent, or the more advanced nano-clay adsorbent. Over the trial period, they monitored key indicators including weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratios, mortality rates, and crucial haematological indices such as packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration.
The findings are nothing short of revolutionary. As expected, turkeys consuming aflatoxin-contaminated diets without intervention suffered visibly—poor growth, inefficient feed utilization, weakened blood profiles, and high mortality. However, introducing clay adsorbents into the feed shifted the trajectory dramatically. Birds supplemented with molecular clay showed marked improvement, but the standout performance came from those receiving nano-clay supplementation. These birds not only maintained healthier blood parameters but also demonstrated superior growth performance and resilience, even at the highest aflatoxin levels tested.
When I asked Ajao to elaborate on the significance of nano-clay’s effectiveness, he explained, “The nano-clay’s structure gives it a distinct advantage. Its ultra-fine particle size results in a larger surface area, enhancing its adsorption properties. Essentially, it binds to aflatoxins in the digestive tract more efficiently, preventing them from entering the bloodstream and exerting their toxic effects.”
What distinguishes Ajao’s contribution is not only the depth of his scientific insight but his dedication to bridging research with actionable, real-world strategies. For poultry producers, the economic and health stakes are high. Feed accounts for a substantial portion of production costs, and any compromise in feed quality can quickly translate to financial losses, increased veterinary costs, and compromised consumer confidence. Ajao’s findings present a viable, scalable method for mitigating these risks—without introducing prohibitively expensive or impractical solutions.
Moreover, the study delves beyond mere productivity metrics. By closely monitoring haematological indices, Ajao emphasizes the overall health and wellbeing of the birds, not just their growth rates. Turkeys consuming nano-clay supplemented feed consistently demonstrated healthier PCV and haemoglobin levels—key indicators of improved immune function and general physiological robustness.
Throughout our discussion, Ajao’s commitment to practical implementation remained clear. “We didn’t conduct this research solely for academic recognition. Our focus has always been on how these findings can be put into practice immediately. Feed manufacturers, poultry farmers, policymakers—they all need tools that are not just effective but economically viable. Nano-clay offers exactly that.”
As the global demand for poultry products continues to surge—driven by population growth, rising protein consumption, and shifting dietary patterns—the relevance of Ajao’s research cannot be overstated. The poultry sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and providing affordable protein sources. However, unchecked aflatoxin contamination poses a persistent threat to these goals.
Ajao’s leadership addresses this gap directly, offering a scientifically proven intervention that ensures both economic stability and public health are safeguarded. His work carries broader implications beyond poultry production—it speaks to the importance of sustainable, science-driven agricultural practices capable of withstanding environmental pressures and evolving challenges.
Reflecting on the broader significance of his findings, Ajao’s perspective is refreshingly holistic. “Tackling aflatoxin contamination is not merely about improving production statistics. It’s about protecting the integrity of the entire food chain—from feed manufacturers to farmers, to the consumers who rely on safe, nutritious animal products. We need solutions that support long-term sustainability and resilience, and I firmly believe this research contributes meaningfully toward that vision.”
In a landscape where innovation and responsibility must coexist, A.M. Ajao’s contributions stand as a beacon of progress. His pioneering approach offers more than a temporary fix—it delivers a transformative strategy to confront one of the poultry industry’s most persistent and costly challenges.
Through his unwavering commitment to advancing science while serving the practical needs of farmers and industry leaders, Ajao is setting a new standard for research excellence and impactful leadership. His work underscores the critical role of evidence-based solutions in building a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for the global agricultural community.
