Abstract
Mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) can negatively affect pig health. However, little is known about their effects on boar semen. We assessed the individual and combined effects of DON and ZEN on boar semen in vitro. In a pretrial, we determined the minimum dose (MiD) of each mycotoxin that induces a significant alteration of sperm progressive motility, as investigated using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). In the main trial, the individual and combined effects of each mycotoxin’s MiD on sperm motility and kinetics (CASA analysis), morphology (SpermBlue staining), viability (calcein-propidium iodide staining), membrane functional status (hypoosmotic swelling test), and chromatin integrity (acridine orange staining) were analyzed. Pretrial results suggested a MiD of 50.6 μM and 62.8 μM for DON and ZEN, respectively. In the main trial, DON and ZEN administered at MiD significantly affected CASA parameters (e.g., increase of immotile spermatozoa, reduction of progressive motile spermatozoa), decreased sperm viability, and affected sperm morphology (head abnormalities) and membrane functional status. DON and ZEN showed less than additive effects on most parameters tested and a synergistic effect on viability and on two CASA parameters. In conclusion, DON and ZEN showed individual and combined toxic effects on boar semen in vitro.
Highlights
Research efforts over half a century have proven that mycotoxins can pose a significant threat to health and reproductive efficiency of swine
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of DON and ZEN on various boar semen characteristics in vitro
A pretrial was conducted to determine potential negative effects of the used solvent on boar semen progressive motility, which was considered as the primary parameter
Summary
Research efforts over half a century have proven that mycotoxins can pose a significant threat to health and reproductive efficiency of swine. They are secondary metabolites of certain fungi Toxins 2020, 12, 495 wheat, barley) worldwide [1]. They are produced before harvest of grains (fungi as plant pathogens), or during storage (fungi growing saprophytically). Pigs are exposed to mycotoxins through ingestion of contaminated feed, and Fusarium mycotoxins seem to be significant due to their harmful effects on swine health and performance [6].
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