Biotransformation of Aflatoxin B1 and Its Relationship with the Differential Toxicological Response to Aflatoxin in Commercial Poultry Species

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic compound (LD50 = 1-50 mg/kg) for most animal species, although it is extremely toxic (LD50 turkey poults > goslings > pheasant chicks > quail chicks > chicks (Leeson et al., 1995). Even though there is still no clear explanation for this differential sensitivity, differences in susceptibility could be due to differences in AFB1 biotransformation pathways among species. The aim of the present chapter is to review the current knowledge on AFB1 biotransformation, with emphasis on