Effects of zearalenone on vulva area, liver function, serum immunoglobulin, antioxidant capability and sex hormone secretion of prepubertal gilts

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the multi-organs toxicity of zearalenone on prepubertal gilts. A total of 48 (Landrace × Yorkshire) prepubertal gilts were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 replicates in each group. The control group were fed with basal diet, the experimental groups were fed test diets supplemented with 0, 200, 800 and 1600 μg/kg zearalenone in the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed that the average daily feed intake of prepubertal gilts in each group had no significant change (p > .05). Diets supplemented with zearalenone significantly reduced the serum immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, follicle stimulating hormone concentrations and total antioxidant capacity activity of prepubertal gilts (p < .05). Diets supplemented with zearalenone significantly increased the vulva area, the serum concentration of interleukin-4 and activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase of prepubertal gilts (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of zearalenone has no obvious effect on the average daily feed intake of prepubertal gilts. However, it can increase its vulva area, produce reproductive toxicity, cause liver damage, reduce the serum immunoglobulin concentrations and antioxidant capability and disrupt the secretion of sex hormones. HIGHLIGHTS Dietary supplementation of zearalenone significantly increases the vulva area of prepubertal gilts. Dietary supplementation of zearalenone significantly increases serum ALT and ALP activities of prepubertal gilts. Dietary supplementation of zearalenone reduce serum immunoglobulin levels and antioxidant capability of prepubertal gilts. Dietary supplementation of zearalenone decreased the secretion of FSH of prepubertal gilts. Zearalenone exerts its toxic effects in multiple ways simultaneously.