Goat farming plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of smallholder farmers worldwide, with improved growth performance being a primary objective of numerous breeding programs. The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) gene has been extensively studied as a key candidate gene due to its crucial involvement in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism, which underpin developmental processes. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 11 studies conducted between 2008 and 2024 across Asia and Africa, focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IGF1 gene and their associations with growth traits in various goat populations. A range of genotyping techniques, including PCR-RFLP, sequencing, real-time PCR, and T-ARMS-PCR, were applied to both indigenous and crossbred goats. Multiple SNPs were identified, with the g.5752 locus consistently reported in three independent studies, indicating its potential utility as a marker-assisted selection (MAS). Genotypic frequencies varied from 0.00 to 0.91, and allelic frequencies ranged from 0.08 to 0.94, reflecting substantial genetic diversity among goat breeds. Although 79.9% of observations did not show statistically significant associations, 20.1% revealed notable links, particularly with body weight, body length, and body height. These findings suggest that while IGF1 polymorphisms hold promise as molecular markers for growth traits, the phenotypic expression of growth in goats is likely influenced by complex polygenic inheritance and gene–environment interactions. Future research should focus on genome-wide association studies and breed-specific validation to enhance the application of IGF1 SNPs in genetic improvement strategies for sustainable goat production.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, which frequently contaminate poultry feed worldwide. Their occurrence poses severe risks not only to poultry health and productivity but also to food safety through residue transfer into eggs and meat. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the prevalence of mycotoxins in poultry systems, their physiological and immunological impacts, and current as well as emerging mitigation strategies. A systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, with twenty-four peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 selected based on PRISMA-like screening. Across multiple surveys, more than two-thirds of feed samples in many regions contained at least one detectable mycotoxin, and co-contamination with two or more toxins was frequently observed. Extracted data covered prevalence surveys, mechanistic investigations, controlled feeding trials, and intervention studies. Findings demonstrate that poultry feed is widely contaminated with multiple mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins, and zearalenone, often occurring simultaneously and sometimes in masked forms that complicate detection. Chronic exposure reduces growth rates, increases feed conversion ratios, and elevates mortality while adversely affecting welfare indices, such as measures of stress and fear responses. Mycotoxins disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, induce dysbiosis, and suppress immune function, resulting in diminished vaccine responsiveness. Notably, synergistic interactions between toxins and pathogens, such as DON with Campylobacter jejuni, amplify inflammatory responses and impair host defenses. Food safety implications are underscored by the detection of residues in eggs and meat. Conventional binders remain effective against aflatoxins but are limited against DON and fumonisins. Enzyme-based detoxification technologies offer promising specificity, while probiotics (e.g., Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Aseel chicken-derived strains) and phytobiotics (curcumin, baicalin) provide protective effects through antifungal, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Despite laboratory success, field validation remains insufficient. In conclusion, mycotoxins impose multifaceted burdens on poultry production. Effective management requires multi-modal approaches integrating adsorbents, enzymes, probiotics, and phytobiotics. This review advances the current knowledge by linking mechanistic evidence with practical strategies, thereby providing a framework for sustainable poultry production and food safety.