fumonisin-b1 and Poultry-Diseases

Fumonisins are the most recently discovered group of mycotoxins with important implications in animal health. Equine leucoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary edema are diseases observed for many years, but their etiology was unknown. These 2 syndromes were recently reproduced experimentally after administration of purified fumonisin B1 (FB1). The main target organs for the toxic actions of FB1 are the brain in horses and the lungs in the case of swine. However, severe liver damage in both species and pancreatic lesions in swine are also observed, especially when Fusarium moniliforme culture material (FCM) or naturally contaminated corn are used as the source of the fumonisins. Experimentally induced fumonisin toxicosis has been studied in poultry and cattle using FCM or naturally contaminated corn or corn screenings as the mycotoxin source. Results have shown a much lower sensitivity of these species to the toxic action of fumonisins when compared to horses and pigs. However, adverse effects on performance parameters of broiler chickens and turkey poults and on selected immune parameters of chickens and cattle were reported. In order to confirm these observations, toxicological studies using purified fumonisins are required. Studies to determine the interaction of fumonisin with other Fusarium toxins and other mycotoxins are also needed. No studies on the toxicokinetics of fumonisins have been reported. The toxicodynamics (mechanism of action) of fumonisins appears to be a blockage in the synthesis of sphingolipids and thus constitute a unique toxicological action among the known mycotoxins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Animals, Domestic; Carcinogens, Environmental; Cattle; Encephalomalacia; Fumonisins; Horse Diseases; Horses; Mycotoxins; Poisoning; Poultry; Poultry Diseases; Pulmonary Edema; Structure-Activity Relationship; Swine; Swine Diseases

This study examined the effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and moniliformin (M) on the heart of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Three hundred and ninety day-old Japanese quail were randomly divided into four groups: 1) FB1 alone (FX), 2) M alone (MX), 3) FB1 and M (FM), and 4) chick mash alone (CX). We used three pen replicates of 35 quail per pen in groups FX, MX, and FM and three pen replicates of 25 quail per pen in group CX. Gross and microscopic changes in the heart were studied in nine birds (three birds per replicate) from each group at weekly intervals up to 28 days postfeeding (DPF). Ultrastructural changes were studied in the heart of three birds (one bird per replicate) from each group at 21 DPF. Thinning of the heart was the only significant gross lesion in group FX. In contrast, mild-to-severe cardiomegaly was a significant finding in groups MX and FM throughout the study. Microscopically, thinning of cardiomyocytes was evident at 7 DPF in group FX. In addition to the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes evident as early as 7 DPF, myocardial karyomegaly, nuclear hyperchromasia, and myofibril disarray exhibiting a wavy pattern were more pronounced at 28 DPF in group MX. Similar but more severe lesions were observed in the FM combination group that included myocardial hemorrhages, vacuolar changes, hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, focal myocarditis, and loss of myofibrils cross-striations. Via transmission electron microscopy, the maximum effect of FB1 toxicity was observed on mitochondria. In addition to an increase in the number of mitochondria, the mitochondria seemed invariably swollen and pleomorphic, although the outer membrane was intact, and the membrane cristae were usually distinct. Myofibrils seemed thinner, without much disruption in their architecture. Large numbers of vacuolar bodies of irregular size, both in the sarcoplasm and in between the myofibrils, were conspicuous in group FX. In contrast to group FX, the increase in number of mitochondria resulted in widespread separation of muscle fibers in group MX. In addition, the mitochondria were swollen and varied from round to oval to slightly elongated and occasionally forked, and vacuolation was rarely noticed in group MX. In the FM combination group, a significant increase in the number of mitochondria caused muscle fibers to look much thinner and assume a wavy pattern. We conclude that the effect of M on the heart is exaggerated in the presence of FB1. Although the overall inte

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Coturnix; Cyclobutanes; Drug Interactions; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Heart Diseases; Poultry Diseases

The aim of this research was to evaluate the individual and combined effects of Salmonella typhimurium lipopolysaccharide (sLPS) and fumonisin B(1) (FB) on performance, relative weight of liver, biological parameters, and histological evaluation of several tissues from four hundred thirty-two 1-d-old male broiler chickens divided into 9 treatments according to the dose of FB (0, 100, or 200 mg/kg, from d 1 to d 28) and sLPS (0, 250, or 500 µg/application per bird, every other day, from d 15 to 27) administered. At the end of the experiment (28 d), significant effects caused by sLPS, FB, and the interaction of sLPS × FB were observed on several parameters. Histopathological evaluations showed significant lesions in liver and kidney caused by sLPS, FB, and their association. According to these results, both sLPS and FB (isolated or in association) cause significant effects on performance and biological parameters of broilers at 28 d of age.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Fumonisins; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Poultry Diseases; Salmonella typhimurium; Sphingosine

1. Our objective was to evaluate the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1), administered singly or in combination to broilers. 2. Feeds were prepared with concentrations equal to 0, 50 and 200 microg AFB1/kg, and/or 0, 50 and 200 mg FB1/kg, and offered to broiler chicks from 8 to 41 d of age. The experimental design was totally randomised, in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement with 9 treatments and 12 birds per treatment. Animals were vaccinated against Newcastle disease on d 14 of life and killed at 41 d. 3. Compared with controls, all mycotoxin-treated groups at 41 d had lower body weight and weight gain, and higher relative heart weight. The relative weight of the liver increased only in birds fed diets containing 200 mg FB1, singly or in combination with AFB1. 4. At 35 d, all groups receiving mycotoxin-treated rations had reduced geometrical mean antibody titres, with birds from groups fed combinations of AFB1 and FB1/kg having even lower values, when compared to the other groups. 5. Histological changes were observed only in liver from birds fed mycotoxin-contaminated rations, and in kidneys of birds fed the diet containing 200 microg AFB1 and 200 mg FB1/kg. Main alterations included vacuolar degeneration and cell proliferation of bile ducts in the liver, and hydropic degeneration in renal tubules in the kidneys. 6. We concluded that AFB1 and FB1 in combination have primarily additive effects on body weight, liver structure and immunological response of broilers at the concentrations used.

Topics: Aflatoxin B1; Animal Feed; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Body Weight; Chickens; Fumonisins; Kidney; Liver; Male; Mycotoxicosis; Newcastle Disease; Poultry Diseases; Random Allocation; Viral Vaccines

One hundred fifty 1-d-old quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into 2 groups. The 2 groups were designated as controls (CX) and fumonisin-fed birds (FX) with each containing 50 and 100 chicks, respectively. The birds in group CX were maintained on quail mash alone, whereas the birds in group FX were maintained on diets supplemented with 300 ppm of fumonisin B1 from Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme) culture material from 1 d. Quail chicks in both groups were examined daily for clinical signs and mortality. Five randomly selected quail from each group were individually weighed on 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 d post-feeding (DPF). After weighing, blood was collected from these birds at 7, 14, 21, and 28 DPF for hematological studies and at 14, 21, and 28 DPF for biochemical studies. Fumonisin B1-fed birds (FX) had ruffled feathers, reduced feed and water intake, poor body growth, and greenish mucus diarrhea with 59% mortality. Nearly 30% of the fumonisin B1-fed birds showed nervous signs during the 4-wk experimental period. From 7 DPF onward, BW in group FX were significantly lower than those in group CX. Fumonisin feeding significantly increased hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, and total leukocyte count. There was also a significant increase in aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in the fumonisin-fed group. Fumonisins significantly increased concentrations of total serum protein and albumin on 14 and 21 DPF, serum calcium and cholesterol levels from 14 DPF onward, and creatinine from 21 DPF onward. This study revealed that the addition of F. verticillioides culture material supplying a level of 300 ppm of FB1/kg of diet is highly toxic to quail chicks, resulting in heavy mortality, decreased growth rate, and significant alterations in hemato-biochemical parameters.

Topics: Animals; Coturnix; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Mycotoxicosis; Poultry Diseases; Survival Rate

The effects of prolonged oral administration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxins were evaluated in broiler chickens from 21 to 42 d of age. A total of 192 birds were housed in experimental batteries and assigned to 32 cages, 6 birds per cage. The following treatments were applied: 1) 0 mycotoxins (control), 2) 10 mg of FB1, 3) 50 microg of AFB1, 4) 50 microg of AFB1 + 10 mg of FB1, 5) 350 microg of AFB1, 6) 350 microg of AFB1 + 10 mg of FB1, 7) 2,450 microg of AFB1, 8) 2,450 microg of AFB1 + 10 mg of FB1/kg of feed. Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates of 6 birds each. At the end of the trial, blood samples from 12 birds per treatment were collected, and the birds were necropsied. Compared with controls, the percentage of heterophils was lower (P < 0.05) in birds from groups receiving 50 microg of AFB1/kg + 10 mg of FB1/ kg and 2450 microg of AFB1/kg alone or in combination with FB1. A higher percentage of lymphocytes (P < 0.05) was observed in birds fed 50 microg of AFB1/kg + 10 mg of FB1/ kg, 350 microg of AFB1/kg, and 2,450 microg of AFB1/kg. A decrease in plasma albumin was observed only in birds fed 2,450 microg of AFB1/kg + 10 mg of FB1/kg. The liver of AFB1-treated birds had focal areas of necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates. In birds fed rations containing only 10 mg of FB1/kg, bile duct hyperplasia with fibrosis and a mononuclear infiltrate accompanied by trabecular derangement were observed. In contrast, in treatments in which FB1 was administered in combination, hepatic vacuolar degeneration was observed, and renal tissue presented corpuscles with increased cellular agglomeration, characterizing glomerulonephritis, and a clearly visible tubular epithelium with areas of degeneration and necrosis. The FB1 residues were detected in liver and in excreta of all FB1-treated groups, at levels that ranged from 0.013 to 0.051 mg/kg and from 1.19 to 2.79 mg/kg, respectively. Results indicated that FB1 and AFB1, singly or in combination at the levels evaluated, do not change markedly the hematological and serological parameters of broiler chickens, but may cause relevant lesions in liver and in kidneys.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Aflatoxin B1; Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Residues; Erythrocyte Count; Feces; Fumonisins; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Kidney; Leukocyte Count; Liver; Male; Poultry Diseases; Time Factors

Spontaneous nephropathy in Bulgaria, which is observed frequently during meat inspection and which differs morphologically from the classical description of mycotoxic porcine/chicken nephropathy as made in Denmark, was found to have a multi-mycotoxic aetiology being mainly provoked by a combined effect of ochratoxin A, penicillic acid and fumonisin B1 in addition to a not-yet-known metabolite. Mean contamination levels of ochratoxin A were consecutively low (188.8 and 376.4 microg kg(-1)) in contrast to high contamination levels of fumonisin B1 (5564.1 and 3254.5 microg kg(-1)) and penicillic acid (838.6 and 904.9 microg kg(-1)) for 2006 and 2007, respectively. Some other mycotoxins with lower importance such as citrinin, penitrem A, etc., may also influence clinicopathological picture of this nephropathy. A heavy contamination with Gibberella fujikuroi var. moniliformis (Fusarium verticillioides) and Penicillium aurantiogriseum complex (mainly Penicillium polonicum) was observed in almost all examined feed samples coming from pig and chick farms with nephropathy problems from Bulgaria. In contrast, low contamination with Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium verrucosum and Penicillium citrinum was observed in the same feed samples and these species were isolated as very rare components of the mycobiota.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Balkan Nephropathy; Bulgaria; Chickens; Drug Synergism; Food Contamination; Food Microbiology; Fumonisins; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Mycotoxicosis; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Penicillic Acid; Poultry Diseases; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases

Three hundred 1-day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into two groups of 150 each. One group was maintained on quail mash alone, whereas Fusarium verticillioides culture material (FCM) was added to quail mash in the second group from 5 days of age and supplied 150 mg FB1/kg mash. At day 21, each group was further subdivided into two groups, yielding four groups with 75 birds apiece, which served as the control (group CX), the Salmonella Gallinarum alone group (group CS), the FB1 alone group (group FX), and the group fed FB1 and infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (group FS). An oral challenge with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units [cfu]/ml) was given to groups CS and FS at 21 days of age. Three quail each, were necropsied on day 21 (0 day interval) from groups CX and FX, whereas at subsequent intervals, i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection (DPI), they were sacrificed from all four groups (CX, CS, FX, and FS) to study the agglutinin response to Salmonella Gallinarum and pathologic changes. The agglutinin titers to Salmonella Gallinarum in the combination group (FS) were generally lower when compared with those in group CS. A reduction in the size of spleen along with depletion of white pulp, thinning of cardiomyocytes, lymphoid cell depletion from bursal follicles, and renal tubular nephrosis were characteristic pathologic changes in group FX. In contrast, there was mild to severe enlargement of spleen accompanied by necrosis and reticuloendothelial cell hyperplasia, pericarditis, myocarditis, and focal interstitial nephritis in groups CS. Similar but more severe lesions were observed in the combination group (FS). In addition, the flabby texture of heart, hydropericardium, and ascites were mainly observed in group FS. It is concluded that continuous presence of fumonisins at 150 mg/kg diet increases the severity of Salmonella Gallinarum infection in young Japanese quail.

Topics: Agglutinins; Animal Feed; Animals; Bursa of Fabricius; Coturnix; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Intestines; Kidney; Lung; Mycotoxicosis; Myocardium; Poultry Diseases; Proventriculus; Salmonella; Salmonella Infections, Animal; Spleen; Time Factors

Sodium bentonite (SB) was evaluated for its ability to reduce the deleterious effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broiler diets. It was incorporated into the diets (0.3%) containing 2.5 mg/kg AFB1, 200 mg/kg FB1, or a combination of 2.5 mg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg FB1. Aflatoxin B1 significantly diminished body weight gain, whereas FB1 or the combination of FB1 and SB had no effect. Addition of SB in the diets significantly diminished the inhibitory effects of dietary AFB1. Feeding AFB1 alone caused significant increases in the relative weights of most observed organs. Feeding FB1 alone did not alter relative weights of any organs. In the combined diet (AFB1 plus FB1) relative weights of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and spleen were increased. Addition of SB to the diet containing AFB1 diminished the relative weights of liver, kidney, and spleen. Addition of SB to diets containing AFB1 and FB1 only decreased liver weights. In relation to the control, lower serum levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins were observed for all AFB, containing diets without SB addition, whereas all other treatments were not altered. Livers of birds fed diets containing AFB1 and a combination of AFB1 and FB1 were enlarged, yellowish, friable, and had rounded borders. The histopathology of them, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, showed multifocal and varied cytoplasmatic vacuolization with perilobular location. Incorporation of SB reduced the incidence and severity of the hepatic histopathology changes associated with aflatoxicosis.

Topics: Aflatoxin B1; Animal Feed; Animals; Bentonite; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chickens; Diet; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Intestinal Absorption; Liver; Liver Diseases; Organ Size; Poultry Diseases

Feed amended with autoclaved culture material (CM) of Fusarium proliferatum containing fumonisin B1 (FB1) (61-546 ppm), fumonisin B2 (FB2) (14-98 ppm) and moniliformin (66-367 ppm) was given to 228 male chicks in three separate feeding trials. In a fourth feeding trial, purified FB1 (125 and 274 ppm) and moniliformin (27 and 154 ppm) were given separately and in combination (137 and 77 ppm, respectively). Chicks that died during the trial periods, survivors and controls were subjected to postmortem examination. Specimens (liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, brain, intestine, testis, bursa of Fabricius, heart and skeletal muscle) were examined grossly and preserved for subsequent histopathologic and ultrastructural examination. Prominent gross lesions in affected birds fed diets amended with CM or purified FB1 and moniliformin included ascites, hydropericardium, hepatopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, pneumonitis, gizzard ulceration, and enlarged bursa of Fabricius filled with caseous material. The various concentrations of FB1 and moniliformin in the amended rations produced well-defined dose-response lesions in all groups in all four trials. Histopathologic changes included hemorrhage, leucocytic infiltration, fatty change or infiltration, individual cell necrosis and fibrosis in liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, gizzard, bursa of Fabricius and pancreas. Edema and hemorrhage were prominent in brains of treated birds. Ultrastructural changes included cytoplasmic and nuclear enlargement of cells in affected liver, lungs, kidneys, heart and pancreas. There were thickened membranes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum with loss of ribosomes and vacuolated or deformed mitochondria.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Cyclobutanes; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Histocytochemistry; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Poultry Diseases

To study the individual and combined effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) toxicity and Salmonella serotype Gallinarum infection, Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed Fusarium moniliforme culture material (2.5%), 150 mg FB1/kg ration, and were subsequently challenged orally with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units) at 21 days of age. The chicks were fed culture material containing FB1 from day 5 till the end of the experiment. After being infected with Salmonella Gallinarum, observations were made 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection. The clinical signs of diarrhea with bloody discharges were more pronounced in the Salmonella-infected birds on the FB1 diet. Mortality caused by Salmonella Gallinarum increased by 12% in the presence of FB1. Mean body weights in both the Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups were significantly lower than those of the controls at almost all intervals. Mean values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total erythrocyte count were slightly higher in birds fed FB1 but were lower in the Salmonella Gallinarum groups fed FB1 and plain chick mash. Anemia was evident, between 5 and 10 days postinfection, in quail chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum alone. Total leukocyte counts were higher in Salmonella-infected and FB1-fed groups because of an increase in the number of heterophils and lymphocytes. However, the increase in lymphocyte response to infection was lower by 4.27%-30.09% between 3 and 21 days postinfection in the FB1-fed chicks compared with chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. Alanine transaminase and total serum protein were slightly higher in both the infected and FB1-fed groups. This study revealed that the continuous presence of fumonisins in the diets of quail chicks might increase the susceptibility to or the severity of Salmonella Gallinarum infection.

Topics: Animals; Blood Chemical Analysis; Coturnix; Culture Media; Diarrhea; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Hematologic Tests; Immunity, Cellular; India; Poultry Diseases; Salmonella Infections, Animal; Time Factors

Three hundred day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were divided into two groups with 150 quail in each group. One group was maintained on quail mash alone, while Fusarium moniliforme culture material was added to quail mash in the second group from day 5 of age and was supplied at a rate of 150 ppm fumonisin B1 (FB1)/kg mash. At day 21, each group was further subdivided into two groups, yielding four groups with 75 birds apiece, which served as the control (group CX), the Salmonella Gallinarum alone group (group CS), the FB1 alone group (group FX), and the group fed FB1 and infected with Salmonella Gallinarum (group FS). An oral challenge with Salmonella Gallinarum organisms (2 x 10(4) colony-forming units/ml) was given to groups CS and FS at 21 days of age. Three quail each were necropsied on day 21 (0 day interval) from groups CX and FX only. At subsequent intervals (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days postinfection [DPI]), three quail were euthanatized from all four groups (CX, CS, FX, and FS). The gross and microscopic lesions were recorded in both mortality and euthanatized birds at the above intervals. The ultrastructural studies were done at 5 DPI. Mild to moderate hepatomegaly and pale discoloration of liver were observed in group FX, while congestion, hemorrhages, necrosis, and mild to severe hepatomegaly were the predominant gross lesions in both infected groups (CS and FS). The gross lesions in quail inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum alone (group CS) generally developed slowly, appeared more widely scattered, and involved comparatively less surface area in contrast to the rapidly progressive and frequently confluent lesions in the combination group (FS), especially in the first 5 days of infection. Mild to marked hepatocellular swelling, multifocal hepatic necrosis, and hepatocellular and bile duct hyperplasia were the characteristic microscopic changes in the FX group. Microscopic lesions in quail of group CS comprised congestion, vacuolar changes, and focal necrosis in early stages, followed by granulomatous lesions at later intervals. Similar but more severe lesions were observed in the combination group (FS). Based on transmission electron microscopy, the maximum effect of FB1 toxicity was observed on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. In general, the mitochondriae showed diverse form and structure, some of which appeared to lose their intact outer membrane, and the mitochondrial cristae were disoriented. The de

Topics: Animals; Coturnix; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Liver; Microscopy, Electron; Mycoses; Poultry Diseases; Salmonella; Salmonella Infections, Animal

The toxicity of maize containing known doses of fumonisin B1 (FB1) was investigated in mallard ducks during force-feeding. Seventy-five ducks at 12 wk of age were randomly divided into 3 groups of 25, and received control maize, naturally contaminated maize containing 20 mg/kg of FB1, or a mixture of control and contaminated maize (50/50, vol/vol). Force-feeding was performed during 12 d that correspond to a final average feed intake of approximately 10 kg of maize per duck. At the end of the study, 8% mortality was observed in ducks fed 20 mg of FB1/kg of feed, whereas no mortality occurred in the other groups. Liver weight, and plasma concentrations of protein, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were increased by force-feeding, whereas feed conversion ratio appeared decreased by the toxin. Microscopic examination of the liver showed that steatosis was mostly macrovacuolar in control ducks, whereas it was microvacuolar in ducks fed 20 mg of FB1/kg of feed. Free sphingolipid concentrations were measured in liver and plasma. Sphinganine (Sa) and sphinganine to sphingosine (Sa/So) ratio were increased in all treatment groups. These parameters were not affected by force-feeding and all individual values obtained in the treated ducks were higher than those obtained in control ducks. Our results suggest that free Sa level and Sa/So ratio can be used to reveal exposure of ducks to FB1 at doses of 10 mg/kg or greater in feed.

Topics: Animals; Ducks; Enteral Nutrition; Fatty Liver; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Liver; Poultry Diseases; Sphingosine; Zea mays

1. A 28-d experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on egg production and egg quality of young laying Japanese quail fed on fumonisin-contaminated rations. 2. To this end, 128 7-week-old birds were randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups (32 birds per group) and given rations containing 0 (control), 10, 50 and 250mg FB1/kg feed. Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates of 8 quail. Egg production and egg weight were checked daily. Feed consumption and feed conversion were determined weekly. Eggs laid on the last day of each 7-d period were collected and subjected to individual analysis for specific gravity, Haugh units and percentage eggshell. 3. Compared with controls, quail given > or = 50 mg FB1/kg had reduced feed intake and lower body weight gain. Feed conversion was reduced only in birds given 250 mg FB1/kg. 4. Mean egg production and egg weight were lower in birds given 250mg FB1/kg. Eggshell weight was reduced in birds given > or =50mg FB1/kg. However, mean specific gravity, Haugh units and percentage eggshell were not affected by FB1. 5. No histopathological changes were observed in liver, kidney or heart samples from any treatment group. 6. The results indicated that exposure to FB1 at concentrations > or = 50 mg/kg could adversely affect quail performance, emphasising the importance of controlling fumonisin contamination of quail rations.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Coturnix; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eating; Eggs; Female; Food Contamination; Fumonisins; Oviposition; Ovum; Poultry Diseases

Three recently described and toxicologically important mycotoxins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2), and fumonisin B3 (FB3), produced by Fusarium moniliforme in various grains, have been associated with a number of diseases in both humans and animals. The toxicity of purified FB1, FB2, and FB3, individually and in combination (3:1:1 ratio), were evaluated with regard to their embryo toxicity by injection of the toxins into the air cell of chicken eggs at 72 h of incubation. Under these conditions, FB1 at doses of 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 microg per egg resulted in embryonic mortality of 5, 12.5, 17.5, 20.0, 52.5, 77.5, and 100%, respectively. The 50% lethal dose for FB1, when injected into the air cell of embryonating chicken eggs, was determined to be 18.73 microg per egg. A comparison of the toxicity of FB1, FB2, and FB3, individually and in combination (3:1:1 ratio), at doses of 16 microg of total fumonisin per egg, indicated that the toxicity of the fumonisins differed, FB1 being the most toxic. Microscopic examination of chicken embryos exposed to fumonisin did not reveal any gross developmental abnormalities; however, severe hemorrhages of the head, neck, and thoracic area of the dead embryos were evident.

Topics: Animals; Carboxylic Acids; Carcinogens, Environmental; Chick Embryo; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eggs; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Hemorrhage; Lethal Dose 50; Mortality; Mycotoxins; Poultry Diseases; Time Factors

Five isolates of Fusarium moniliforme and two isolates Fusarium proliferatum of the Section Liseola were each fermented on rice for 21 d at 25 C. Each Fusarium-fermented rice, when dried and mixed into a poultry diet (10% by weight), caused a varied degree of acute mortality in baby Pekin ducklings. The acute (death in less than 48 h) mortality correlated significantly only to the amount of moniliformin in fermented rice, thus in the diet, but not to the amount of fumonisin B1 in fermented rice. This correlation of moniliformin concentration and noncorrelation of fumonisin B1 concentrations to acute toxicity were confirmed by duckling assay using diets containing these purified mycotoxins.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Carboxylic Acids; Culture Media; Cyclobutanes; Ducks; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Mycoses; Mycotoxins; Poultry Diseases

1. During the last quarter of 1995 an unusual disease outbreak characterised by black sticky diarrhoea, severe reduction in food intake, egg production and body weight follow by lameness and death was observed in 2 layer farms in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 6700 hens of 64 weeks age and 3000 hens of 36 weeks age were affected. 2. Around 10% mortality and a 20% reduction in egg production was observed. Postmortem examinations showed pale yellow coloured livers with peripheral congestion, mild haemorrhage in the proventriculus and watery accumulations in the intestine. 3. The disease was traced to a new batch of food and its withdrawal improved the health status of the flocks. 4. Analysis of the diet indicated contamination with fumonisin B1 up to 8.5 mg/kg and aflatoxin B1 up to 0.1 mg/kg. 5. Diarrhoea was induced in day old cockerels by feeding the suspect diet containing 8.5 mg/kg fumonisin B1, and in laying hens by feeding a normal diet with fumonisin B1 additions of 8 and 16 mg/kg.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Carboxylic Acids; Chickens; Disease Outbreaks; Eggs; Female; Food Contamination; Foodborne Diseases; Fumonisins; India; Male; Mycotoxins; Oviposition; Poultry Diseases

Two hundred twenty-eight male chicks (Columbia x New Hampshire) were given feed amended with autoclaved culture material (CM) of Fusarium proliferatum Containing fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and moniliformin in 3 separate feeding trials. Purified FB1 and moniliformin were given separately and in combination in a fourth feeding trial. Birds were given amended rations at day 1 (Trial 1 and 4), day 7 (Trial 2), and day 21 (Trial 3) and their respective ration was given for 28 days (Trial 1), 21 days (Trial 2), 7 days (Trial 3), and 14 days (Trial 4). FB1 concentrations were 546, 193, and 61 ppm; FB2 were 98, 38 and 14 ppm; and moniliformin were 367, 193, and 66 ppm in the first 3 feeding trial regimens. Chicks in Trial 4 were given dietary concentrations of purified FB1 at 274 and 125 ppm, and moniliformin at 154 and 27 ppm. FB1 and moniliformin, both alone and in combination, produced dose-responsive clinical signs, reduced weight gains and mortality in chicks. Age of birds given amended feeds had little difference in the clinical response; however, those given the rations from days 7 or 21 were slightly less susceptible than those given rations beginning at 1 day of age. Additive effects were noted when the toxins were given in combination. When toxins were given separately, adverse effects took longer to occur. A system to monitor pattern and rate of defecation (RD) was developed for assessing the chicks' approach to feed, water and heat source as illness progressed. Our results indicate that chicks fed corn heavily infected with F. proliferatum under field conditions could suffer acute death similar to that described for 'spiking mortality syndrome' during the first 3 weeks of age.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Culture Media, Conditioned; Cyclobutanes; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Male; Mycotoxins; Poultry Diseases; Weight Gain

One hundred eight fertile eggs (Columbia x New Hampshire) were assigned to 10 groups of 10 eggs each (2 control groups had 14 eggs each). Five groups of eggs were inoculated on day 1 of incubation, while the other 5 groups were inoculated on day 10. The inoculum of the 4 treatment groups on both day 1 and 10 consisted of 1,10, or 100 microM purified fumonisin B1 (FB1) or a culture material extract (CME) of Fusarium proliferatum, having known amounts of FB1, FB2 and moniliformin (FB1 20 microM; FB2 4 microM and moniliformin 7 microM). Inoculum consisted of the respective toxin(s) dissolved in 100 microliters double distilled, autoclaved water (diluent). Control eggs were inoculated with diluent only. Mortality was both dose- and time-responsive in all treatments. Eggs inoculated on day 1 with 1 microM FB1 had 50% mortality; 10 microM FB1 had 70% mortality; 100 microM FB1 had 100% mortality; and CME had 100% mortality. Eggs inoculated on day 10 with 1,10 or 100 microM FB1 or CME had 30, 60, 90 and 80% mortality, respectively. Normal chicks were hatched from all control eggs. The median death times (MDT50) were inversely dose-responsive in all treatments, ranging from 3.0 to 7.4 days in embryos exposed on day 1 and from 3.2 to 9.0 days in those exposed on day 10. Early embryonic changes in exposed embryos included hydrocephalus, enlarged beaks and elongated necks. Pathologic changes were noted in liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, musculoskeletal system, intestines, testes and brain toxin-exposed embryos.

Topics: Animals; Chick Embryo; Culture Media, Conditioned; Cyclobutanes; Fumonisins; Fusarium; Mycotoxins; Poultry Diseases

The effects of dietary fumonisin B1 were evaluated in young broiler chicks. The experimental design consisted of 5 treatments each with 9 randomly allotted male broiler chicks. Day-old chicks were fed diets containing 0 (feed control), 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg fumonisin B1/kg feed for 21 days. Response variables measured were chick performance, organ weights, serum biochemistry, and histologic parameters. Body weights and average daily gain dramatically decreased with increasing dietary fumonisin B1, and liver, proventriculus, and gizzard weights increased. Diarrhea, thymic cortical atrophy, multifocal hepatic necrosis, biliary hyperplasia, and rickets were present in chicks fed diets containing fumonisin B1. Serum calcium, cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase levels all increased at higher fumonisin dietary levels. Results indicate that fumonisin, from Fusarium moniliforme culture material, is toxic in young chicks.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Calcium; Chickens; Cholesterol; Food Microbiology; Foodborne Diseases; Fumonisins; Gizzard, Avian; Liver; Male; Mycotoxins; Organ Size; Poultry Diseases; Proventriculus; Random Allocation; Serum Albumin