Abstract
Zearalenone is phenolic resorcyclic acid lactone produced by a number of Fusarium species grown on grains, predominantly on maize, in high moisture environment. Due to its oestrogenic effects, feeds contaminated with zearalenone can cause striking negative effects on reproduction primarily in pigs. The aim of the study was to test the efficiency of a feed additive developed for enzymatic decomposition of mycotoxins. A total of sixty 6-week-old conventional Dutch Landrace × Hungarian Large White F1 female pigs weaned at 30 ± 2 days of age were divided into 6 groups of 10 animals. Between 50 and 70 days of age, 4 groups of pigs (experimental) were treated with zearalenone (8 or 16 mg/pig dose) administered every other day via an oesophageal tube; pigs from the other two groups were not treated with zearalenone and served as controls. Throughout the experiment, the diet of two experimental groups and one control group was supplemented with a feed additive (named: Detoxa Plus) at a concentration of 1 kg/tonne; pigs from the other control group received neither zearalenone treatment, nor the feed additive. Pigs’ live weight, weight of ovaries and uterus, histological characteristics of the ovaries, uterus, vagina, spleen and lymph nodes, liver concentrations of zearalenone and its metabolites (α- and β-zearalenol) were studied. This study showed the preventive capacity of the feed additive against zearalenone. Positive effects included the prevention of uterine enlargement, beneficial effects on the histopathological scores of ovaries, uterus and vagina and reduced concentration of zearalenone and metabolites in the liver. This study demonstrates for the first time that due to its enzymatic activity Detoxa Plus renders zearalenone contaminated feeds less toxic.
Highlights
The contamination of feedstuffs with zearalenone (ZEA), an oestrogen-mimetic mycotoxin, has been known for a long time and caused considerable reproductive failures in pigs which is considered the most sensitive farm animal (Zinedine et al 2007; Lawley et al 2008)
The aim of the study was to test the efficiency of a feed additive developed for enzymatic decomposition of mycotoxins
Throughout the experiment, the diet of two experimental groups and one control group was supplemented with a feed additive at a concentration of 1 kg/tonne; pigs from the other control group received neither zearalenone treatment, nor the feed additive
Summary
The contamination of feedstuffs with zearalenone (ZEA), an oestrogen-mimetic mycotoxin, has been known for a long time and caused considerable reproductive failures in pigs which is considered the most sensitive farm animal (Zinedine et al 2007; Lawley et al 2008). The main effects of zearalenone rely on its interaction with oestrogen receptors resulting in apparent hyperoestrogenism, including reduced fertility (Anonym 2004). It is generally agreed that farm animals should be protected against the adverse effects of mycotoxins. The methods of protection have been described by many authors (e.g. Rafai 1999; Halász et al 2009). The aim of the present study was to test the efficiency of the above feed additive in reducing the presumed negative effects of purified zearalenone on growing pigs
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