Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) supplementation on cholinesterase enzymes and its relationship with animal behavior of weaning piglets exposed to mycotoxin contaminated diets. To achieve these objectives, two experimental design approaches were used. Male piglets (7.15±0.61kg) were allocated in four groups: CTL group received a regular diet; SDPP group received a regular diet and 6% SDPP; MYC group received a diet containing desired contamination of 210 µg/kg aflatoxins and 6.690 µg/kg fumonisins; group MYC+SDPP received 253 µg/kg aflatoxins, 6930 µg/kg fumonisins and 6% SDPP. The animals treated with mycotoxin co-contaminated diets showed an increase in AChE and BChE activities in peripheral system (MYC) when compared to control (CTL). Furthermore, supplementation with SDPP (MYC+SDPP group) prevented the mycotoxin-related reduction of AChE in blood and brain. Behavioral tests showed that sleeping and resting behaviors were more often observed in the MYC group; this group also fed fewer times when compared to the other groups, characterizing the deleterious effect of mycotoxins. Taken together, the data suggest changes in AChE and BChE activities may indicate alterations in cholinergic neurotransmission and consequently in the behavior of piglets.
Highlights
Mycotoxins are considered important contaminants of maize-based products (Abdallah et al 2015)
At day 10, AChE activity significantly increased in MYC (50%) group when compared to CTL and MYC+spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) (65%) groups (P
At day 15 of experiment, whole blood AChE activity was significantly decreased in MYC 100% compared to control, 65% compared to SDPP and increase 75% MYC+SDPP compared to MYC group
Summary
Mycotoxins are considered important contaminants of maize-based products (Abdallah et al 2015). The natural occurrence of aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, patulin and penicillic acid is often observed in animal feed, and include the concomitant occurrence of two or more mycotoxins. These natural contaminants of cereals are found worldwide mainly in corn and its derived products. Pigs are highly susceptible to aflatoxins and fumonisins, especially in the weaning stage where they may cause a variety of chronic or acute syndromes, depending on the level of consumption (Döll et al 2003, Oswald et al 2005). Studies have shown contamination of piglet feed with aflatoxins and fumonisins often results in poor performance, decrease in voluntary feed intake, weight loss and suppressed immune function. Other findings, including effects on the liver, alterations of serum biochemical parameters and gastrointestinal lesions, have been reported (Dilkin et al 2003)
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