zearalenone and Swine-Diseases

The main arguments, discussed by different international organizations, which confirm the significance of problems connected with the presence of zearalenone in animal feed materials and their influence on the safety of food materials are shown in this review article. The main world research trends focused on zearalenone, as undesirable substances, are also presented. A variety of Fusarium fungi produce a number of different mycotoxins, for example zearalenone. Is not true that Fusarium fungi are they the most prevalent toxin-producing fungi only in the northern temperate regions, are also commonly found on cereals grown in the temperate regions of America, Europe and Asia. Zearalenone have been shown to cause a variety of toxic effects in both experimental animals and livestock, and have also been suspected of causing toxicity in humans. Zearalenone is a stable compound, both during storage/milling and the processing/cooking of food, and it does not degrade at high temperatures. Studies of metabolism indicate that zearalenone is fairly rapidly absorbed following oral administration, with the formation of alpha- and beta-zearalenol and alpha- and alpha-zearalanol, which are subsequently conjugated with glucuronic acid. This mycotoxin and some of these metabolites have been shown to competitively bind to estrogen receptors in a number of in vitro systems. Binding to specific receptors has been demonstrated in the uterus, mammary gland, liver and hypothalamus of different species. Additionaly alterations of immunological parameters were found at high zearalenone concentrations in vitro. Zearalenone causes alterations in the reproductive tract of laboratory animals and domestic animals. Various estrogenic effects such as decreased fertility, increased embryolethal resorptions, reduced litter size, changed weight of adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands and change in serum levels of progesterone and estradiol have been observed, and teratogenic effects were found in pigs and sheep. It may be that the safety of zearalenone could be evaluated on the basis of the dose which had no hormonal effects in pigs, the most sensitive species, and a temporary Tolerable Daily Intake for zearalenone of 0.2 microgram/kg of body weight, could be established.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Mycotoxicosis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

The author reports a number of practical cases, indicating that moulds and mycotoxins may play an important role in Dutch pig farming. Therefore it seems desirable to him to form a study group that after investigation advises how problems with mycotoxins in farm animals can be restricted in the future.

Topics: Aflatoxins; Animals; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

Mycotoxins are natural substances, which are poisonous for man and animals. Mycotoxicological investigations, carried out from 1982 to 1986, showed that aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2), trichothecenes (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, monoacetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol and deoxynivalenol) ochratoxin A and zearalenone are to be expected in feedstuffs. Further, sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea were found in cereals repeatedly, which demonstrates that also ergot alkaloids can be found in feedstuffs. The determined toxin concentrations often do not suffice to produce the described "classic" clinical symptoms and pathological changes. On the contrary the continuous intake of small amounts leads to chronic intoxications which are characterized by loss of weight, insufficient gain in weight, fertility disorder or increased susceptibility for infectious diseases. As feedstuffs are mostly contaminated by different kinds of toxinogenic fungi and as fungal strains are frequently able to produce several mycotoxins simultaneously, it must be assumed that naturally occurring mycotoxicoses are not monocausal, but multitoxic diseases. Although we have improved analytical methods, naturally occurring mycotoxicoses still cannot always be cleared up completely.

Topics: Aflatoxins; Animal Feed; Animals; Food Contamination; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chickens; Child; Eggs; Female; Food Analysis; Foodborne Diseases; Fusarium; Humans; Infertility; Male; Meat; Milk; Mycotoxins; Poultry Diseases; Puberty, Precocious; Resorcinols; Swine; Swine Diseases; Vaginal Diseases; Zearalenone; Zeranol

Topics: Acute Disease; Aflatoxins; Animals; Citrinin; Ergotism; Mycoses; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Stachybotrys; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

Mycotoxins are formed on animal feeds when conditions of moisture and temperature permit the growth of naturally occurring toxigenic fungi. In general, mycotoxins are low molecular weight, nonantigenic substances, many of which are relatively heat stable. Mycotoxins can cause acute disease episodes when animals consume critical quantities of them. Specific toxins affect specific organs or tissues such as the liver, kidney, oral and gastric mucosa, brain, or reproductive tract. In acute mycotoxicoses, the signs of disease often are marked and directly referable to the affected target organs. Most frequently, however, concentrations of mycotoxin in feeds are below those that cause acute disease. At lower concentrations, the effects of mycotoxins are more protean. They reduce the growth rate of young animals, and some interfere with native mechanisms of resistance and impair immunologic responsiveness, making the animals more susceptible to infection. These effects on immunity and resistance are difficult to recognize because the signs of disease are associated with the infection rather than with the mycotoxin that predisposed the animal to infection. Animals vary in their susceptibility to some mycotoxins, according to the species and age of animal; young growing animals are more susceptible to certain mycotoxins than are adults. The major effects, sources, and dose response relationships of mycotoxins important to the health of food-producing animals are presented in accompanying tables.

Topics: Aflatoxins; Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Encephalomalacia; Ergotism; Horse Diseases; Horses; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Poultry Diseases; Swine; Swine Diseases; T-2 Toxin; Turkeys; Zearalenone

Topics: Aflatoxins; Agriculture; Animal Feed; Animals; Aspergillus flavus; Female; Food Microbiology; Foodborne Diseases; Fusarium; Mycotoxins; Pregnancy; Reproduction; Swine; Swine Diseases; Vulvovaginitis; Zearalenone

Topics: Aflatoxins; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Canada; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Chickens; Citrinin; Female; Fetal Death; Kidney Diseases; Male; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Patulin; Penicillic Acid; Poultry Diseases; Pregnancy; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Vulvovaginitis; Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a potent estrogenic toxin in swine, contributing to economic losses in herds via reproductive consequences such as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). To better understand the relationship between ZEN-consumption and reproductive symptoms, an animal feeding study with pubertal gilts was designed. The gilts were exposed to three different treatments: solvent-only feed for 21 days (n = 10), ZEN-spiked feed for 7 days followed by solvent-only feed for 14 days (n = 10), and ZEN-spiked feed for 21 days (n = 10). The gilts did not display any ZEN-related symptoms throughout any of the treatments. At the end of the trial the elastic properties of the USLs from participating gilts were evaluated along two loading directions: main direction (MD) and perpendicular direction (PD). The elastic properties included average stresses at 2% and 4% strains, and secant moduli. Overall the elastic properties of the USLs did not vary across treatment groups or between loading directions. In the MD, average stress increased from 32.96 ± 4.43 kPa at 2% strain to 63.21 ± 9.69 kPa at 4% strain, with a secant modulus of 1.52 ± 0.27 MPa. In the PD, average stress increased from 40.82 ± 4.22 kPa at 2% strain to 83.38 ± 9.17 kPa at 4% strain, with a secant modulus of 2.13 ± 0.31 MPa. Continued research into the relationship between ZEN consumption and reproductive symptoms such as POP is necessary in order to mitigate their deleterious effects in herds.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Elasticity; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Food Contamination; Ligaments; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Reproduction; Sacrum; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterus; Zearalenone

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of maternal exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring on postnatal days (PD) 1, 21 and 188. Eighteen pregnant sows (six per treatment) were fed a control diet (ZEN, 0.03 mg kg. The results showed that ZEN caused oxidative stress, an inflammatory response, changes in the structure of jejunum and alterations of the bacterial numbers in cecal digesta in pregnant sows and PD1 and PD21 piglets. On PD188, bacterial numbers were also altered. MHNTs supplementation reduced the amount of ZEN in the intestine and reversed to a large extent the effects induced by ZEN on the intestines of pregnant sows and offspring.. The results obtained from this study indicated that MHNTs treatment was beneficial for the adsorption of ZEN in the intestine of sows. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animal Feed; Animals; Clay; Female; Food Contamination; Intestinal Diseases; Male; Nanotubes; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding a blend of corn contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on the physical condition of pregnant and suckling sows and the development of their offspring. Halloysite nanotubes modified using the surfactant, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, were tested for its efficacy in protecting against the detrimental effects of zearalenone (ZEN) exposure. A total of 18 pregnant second parity Yorkshire sows (six per treatment) were fed control diet, contaminated grain diet (ZEN, 2.77 mg/kg), and contaminated grain + 1% modified halloysite nanotube (MHNT) diet (ZEN, 2.76 mg/kg) from 35 to 70 days in pregnancy (DIP), which is the critical period in development of fetuses. The results show that consumption of ZEN led to a reduction in sow's mass gain during 35 to 70 DIP and mass at 110 DIP, backfat at 70 DIP and weaning, placenta weight at 70 DIP and farrowing, the lactation average daily feed intake, and an increase in the weight of ovary at 70 DIP of sows (P < 0.05). The total number and average body weight (BW) of fetuses at 70 DIP, the number of piglets born, the litter birth weight, the average BW of piglet at birth, the number of piglets born alive, the born alive litter weight, and born alive piglet BW at farrowing were also decreased by ZEN exposure (P < 0.05). The increased expressions of P53, Bax, Cyto C, caspase 9, and caspase 3 and decreased expression of Bcl-2 were observed in the uterus and placenta of sows at 70 DIP, the placenta and fetal uterus at farrowing, and the piglet uterus at weaning (P < 0.05). Adding 1% MHNTs decreased the residue of ZEN in maternal and fetal tissues. The number of fetuses and the average fetus BW at 70 DIP, the total number of piglets born, the litter birth weight, the born alive piglet BW at farrowing, the average piglet BW, the litter weaned weight, and the average day gain at weaning were increased by adding 1% MHNTs, compared with the ZEN-treated group (P < 0.05). The MHNTs significantly reduced the damage to the fat in the colostrum and the protein and lactose in the milk induced by the ZEN-contaminated feed (P < 0.05). Modified halloysite nanotubes could be used as adsorbent in the feed to reduce the toxic effects of ZEN.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animal Feed; Animals; Apoptosis; Clay; Diet; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Nanotubes; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Reproduction; RNA, Messenger; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

Farm animals are at risk of exposure to zearalenone (ZEA) in feedstuffs, which may lead to aberrations in their reproductive development, thereby adversely affecting production outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term (48 days), per os administration of low ZEA doses (50% [20 μg ZEA/kg body weight (bw)] and 100% [40 μg ZEA/kg bw] NOAEL values) on anatomopathological changes in the ovaries of sexually immature gilts. The experiment involved 12 clinically healthy gilts aged 2 months with an initial body weight of about 40 kg and a determined immune status. The animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups (E1, E2) and a control group (C; all n = 4). Group E1 received per os 20 μg ZEA/kg bw for 48 days; group E2 received per os 40 μg ZEA/kg bw for 48 days; and group C received per os placebo for 48 days. Analytical samples of the mycotoxin were administered daily per os in gelatine capsules before morning feeding. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. The results of anatomopathological examinations of the ovaries in immature gilts subjected to long-term, low-dose ZEA exposure showed that ZEA-induced experimental hyperoestrogenism lowered the proliferative ability of granulosa cells of the ovarian follicle walls and of the connective tissue of the ovarian stroma, in particular at the lower ZEA dose.

Topics: Animals; Female; Mycotoxicosis; Ovary; Sexual Maturation; Swine; Swine Diseases; Toxicity Tests; Zearalenone

Fusarium spp. moulds are common in moderate climate regions of North America, Asia and Europe. They produce hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic mycotoxins, acting like estrogens, impairing hemopoesis and immunosuppressing. Actively dividing skin cells, lymphatic tissue, haemopoetic tissue and gastrointestinal tissue are the most sensitive for these trichothecenes action. The mucosal membrane of the gastrointestinal tract is the first barrier of the organism contacting with foreign antigens like feed proteins, natural toxins, saprophytic and pathogenic microflora and mycotoxins. The aim of this study was to perform histological estimation of the porcine small intestine after short term intoxication with low doses of deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin (T-2) and zearalenone (ZEA) obtained from wheat naturally contaminated with Fusarium moulds. Experimental pigs (n=5) were fed for 14 days feed containing DON, T-2 and ZEA (28.9, 11.5 and 33.2 microg kg(-1) of feed). On the last day of the experiment, the animals were euthanised and samples of the jejunum were collected for histological examination. In the experimental pigs, normally developed intestinal villi and crypts were found. However, number of acidophilic granulocytes in the mucous membrane and decreased numbers of goblet cells, increased numbers of endothelial lymphocytes and numerous plasma cells in intestinal epithelium was observed. On the surface of the intestinal epithelium the glycocalyx was poorly developed. The results obtained suggest that short term intoxication with low doses of DON, T-2 and ZEA does not cause significant changes in the histological structure of the small intestine in the pig. However, low concentrations of DON, T-2 and ZEA probably influence enterocytes metabolism and evoke inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Food Contamination; Intestinal Diseases; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestine, Small; Swine; Swine Diseases; T-2 Toxin; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

This study was to investigate the effects of the combination of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) on pigs. Twenty-four weaning piglets were divided into a control group fed a diet free of mycotoxins and a toxin group fed a diet containing 1 mg/kg DON and 250 microg/kg ZON. The results showed that supplementation of DON and ZON in diets had extensive effects on pigs. More specifically, DON and ZON caused levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin in sera to decrease (p < 0.05) by 14.5%, 6.5% and 11.3%, respectively, and at the same time increased (p < 0.05) the serum enzyme activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase by 72.0%, 32.6% and 36.6%, respectively. In addition, DON and ZON decreased (p < 0.05) the level of anticlassical swine fever antibody titers by 14.8%. Real-time PCR showed that DON and ZON caused the mRNA expression levels of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2, to decrease (p < 0.05) by 36.0%, 29.0% and 35.4%, respectively. Histopathological studies demonstrated that DON and ZON caused abnormalities in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, uterus, and kidney. The concentrations of DON and ZON used in this study are in line with the published critical values permitted by BML. Our study clearly put the standard and adequacy of safety measures for these toxins into question. The authors suggest that with the increasing availability of cellular and molecular technologies, it is time to revisit the safety standards for toxins in feeds so as to make feeds safer, providing consumers with safer products.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Animals; Diet; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a member of macrocyclic lactons family. It is a toxin--phytosteride produced by fungi of Fusarium ssp. genus. Zearalenone contaminates food and animal feeding stuffs and its destruction is difficult. It requires application of particular compounds that would bind zearalenone in the feed or feeding stuff or in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease its bio-accessibility. It should also fulfil all the safety requirements regarding the plant supplements and animals that are fed with this feed. The aim of the study was to estimate if the feed supplemented with different doses of zearalenone and zearalenone destructor causes changes of the metabolic profile in gilts. The results obtained show that applied destructor did not cause negative haematological and biochemical changes in the blood of the gilts examined. It can be suggested that it is a safe feed supplement pigs in prevention of zearalenone micotoxicosis.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Blood Cell Count; Blood Chemical Analysis; Food Contamination; Mycotoxicosis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

Heat stress (HS) and Zearalenone (ZEN) exposure affect growth, production efficiency, and animal welfare; and, under extreme situations, both can be lethal. Given that both HS and ZEN independently cause oxidative stress, we hypothesized that simultaneous exposure to HS and ZEN would cause greater oxidative stress in porcine skeletal muscle than either condition, alone. To address this hypothesis, crossbred, prepubertal gilts were treated with either vehicle control (cookie dough) or ZEN (40 μg/kg) and exposed to either thermoneutral (TN; 21.0 °C) or 12-h diurnal HS conditions (night: 32.2 °C; day: 35.0 °C) for 7 d. Pigs were euthanized immediately following the environmental challenge and the glycolytic (STW) and oxidative (STR) portions of the semitendinosus muscle were collected for analysis. In STR, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, a marker of oxidative stress, tended to increase following ZEN exposure (P = 0.08). HS increased CAT (P = 0.019) and SOD1 (P = 0.049) protein abundance, while ZEN decreased GPX1 protein abundance (P = 0.064) and activity (P = 0.036). In STR, HS did not alter protein expression of HSP27, HSP70, or HSP90. Conversely, in STW, MDA-modified proteins remained similar between all groups. Consistent with STR, ZEN decreased GPX1 (P = 0.046) protein abundance in STW. In STW, ZEN decreased protein abundance of HSP27 (P = 0.032) and pHSP27 (P = 0.0068), while HS increased protein expression of HSP70 (P = 0.04) and HSP90 (P = 0.041). These data suggest a muscle fiber type-specific response to HS or ZEN exposure, potentially rendering STR more susceptible to HS- and/or ZEN-induced oxidative stress, however, the combination of HS and ZEN did not augment oxidative stress.. Heat stress (HS) and Zearalenone (ZEN), a toxic feed contaminant, affect growth, production efficiency, and animal welfare, and can cause death. As HS and ZEN independently increase oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radical production and clearance, and the likelihood of ZEN contamination during heat events, we hypothesized concomitant exposure would induce oxidative stress in pig skeletal muscle more than either agent alone. To address this, female pigs were treated with a placebo or low dose of ZEN and exposed to ambient temperature or a mild cyclic HS designed to mimic environmental conditions (hot days, cooler nights) for 7 d. Following these treatments, fast- and slow-twitch muscles were collected for analysis. In slow-twitch muscle, we observed increased markers of oxidative stress in pigs exposed to ZEN primarily driven by HS and ZEN treated pigs. Additionally, ZEN reduced antioxidant abundance and enzymatic activity regardless of the environment. Conversely, HS and/or ZEN did not cause oxidative stress in fast-twitch muscle, although ZEN altered antioxidant abundance. Although a mild HS and ZEN dose was used, oxidative stress markers were altered, suggesting that slow-twitch muscle is susceptible to HS- and ZEN-mediated changes. These data raise the possibility that more severe HS exposures and higher ZEN doses may compromise muscle health.

Topics: Animals; Female; Heat Stress Disorders; Heat-Shock Response; Hot Temperature; HSP27 Heat-Shock Proteins; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; Muscle, Skeletal; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) poses a risk to animal health because of its estrogenic effects. Diagnosis of ZEN-induced disorders remains challenging due to the lack of appropriate biomarkers. In this regard, circulating microRNAs (small non-coding RNAs) have remarkable potential, as they can serve as indicators for pathological processes in tissue. Thus, we combined untargeted and targeted transcriptomics approaches to investigate the effects of ZEN on the microRNA expression in porcine uterus, jejunum and serum, respectively. To this end, twenty-four piglets received uncontaminated feed (Control) or feed containing 0.17 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN low), 1.46 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN medium) and 4.58 mg/kg ZEN (ZEN high). After 28 days, the microRNA expression in the jejunum remained unaffected, while significant changes in the uterine microRNA profile were observed. Importantly, 14 microRNAs were commonly and dose-dependently affected in both the ZEN medium and ZEN high group, including microRNAs from the miR-503 cluster (i.e. ssc-miR-424-5p, ssc-miR-450a, ssc-miR-450b-5p, ssc-miR-450c-5p, ssc-miR-503 and ssc-miR-542-3p). Predicted target genes for those microRNAs are associated with regulation of gene expression and signal transduction (e.g. cell cycle). Although the effects in serum were less pronounced, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that several microRNA ratios were able to discriminate properly between non-exposed and ZEN-exposed pigs (e.g. ssc-miR-135a-5p/ssc-miR-432-5p, ssc-miR-542-3p/ssc-miR-493-3p). This work sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of ZEN, and fosters biomarker discovery.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Circulating MicroRNA; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation; Gonadal Disorders; MicroRNAs; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Mycotoxins; ROC Curve; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterus; Zearalenone

The objective of the presented study was to examine the influence of Fusarium mycotoxins (zearalenone--ZEN and deoxynivalenol--DON), administered separately and in combination, on the activity of cecal enzymes (β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) in gilts which were fed fodder con- taminated with these mycotoxins. The activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase varied in the range of 0.170-1.236 μmol · h(-1) · mg(-1) and 8.701-96.704 μmol · h(-1) · mg(-1), respectively. In the first two weeks, the toxins had no significant effect on the activity of β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase in the ascending and descending colon. After week 3 and later on, ZEN and DON administered as a mix- ture led to the highest increase in the activity of both enzymes. Administered separately, DON affected the activity of enzymes more than ZEN. From the third week of the experiment, an increase in the activity of CW β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase was observed.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; beta-Glucosidase; Cecum; Female; Fusarium; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Mycotoxicosis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

The aims of this study were, first, to investigate the toxicity of zearalenone (ZEN) through the analysis of biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, pathological changes and inflammatory response in the kidney of gestation sows and offspring; and, second, to evaluate the efficacy of modified halloysite nanotubes (MHNTs) for the alleviation to the adverse effects induced by ZEN. This study focused on the period of organogenesis between days 35 and 70 of gestation, and treatments included (1) a control diet; (2) contaminated grain (50% control corn and 50% mouldy corn); and (3) contaminated grain (50% control corn and 50% mouldy corn) + 1% MHNTs. ZEN treatment significantly increased most of the biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines and degenerative changes in the kidney and induced oxidative damage in plasma, whereas the addition of MHNTs in combination with ZEN induced a re-establishment of the biochemical parameters, the plasma oxidative stress enzyme activities and the normal histology of the kidney. Thus, the data strongly suggest that the deleterious effects of ZEN can be significantly diminished by MHNTs.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Blood Urea Nitrogen; Clay; Creatinine; Cytokines; Diet; Female; Food Contamination; Gestational Age; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Nanotubes; Organogenesis; Oxidative Stress; Pregnancy; RNA, Messenger; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uric Acid; Zea mays; Zearalenone

The aim of this study was to characterize the immune response taking place in ileocecal lymph nodes (ICLN) in control (n=15) and zearalenone (ZEN)-treated (n=15) pigs. The experiment was carried out over 42 days; a dose of 0.1 mg kg-1 feed day-1 of ZEN was administered to the animals. The dose used in the experiment was at a level where no adverse effects are observed (NOAEL) in the ovaries, uterus and vagina. ICLN samples for analysis were collected on the 14th, 28th and 42nd day of the experiment. The analysis of cytokine concentration in the tissues showed that pigs treated with ZEN had an increased level of cytokines produced by helper Th1 lymphocytes (IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ) on the 28th day of the experiment. The level of cytokines produced by helper Th2 lymphocytes (IL-4 and IL-10) was characterized by a statistically non-significant upward trend, as compared with the control group. Flow cytometry showed a linear decrease in the percentage of CD21+ B, CD2+ T and CD4+CD8- T cells and an increase in the percentage of CD8+CD4- and TCRγδ + T cells in pigs treated with ZEN. Both ZEN and α-ZEL (α-zearalenone) concentrations increased over time in the liver, but only ZEN concentration increased in ICLN. The results obtained demonstrate that a NOAEL concentration of ZEN shifts the immune response in pig ICLN towards Th1/Th17, probably with a simultaneous activation of M1 macrophages. Moreover, we observed an increase in humoral cytokine secretion; this can be explained by a negative feedback loop and a phenotypic switch of macrophages from M1 to M2, as well as a switch of immune response from Th1 to Th2 type. ZEN can therefore influence the process of cytokine secretion and the percentage of lymphocytes in ileocecal lymph nodes.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Cytokines; Female; Food Contamination; Gene Expression Regulation; Lymph Nodes; Lymphocyte Subsets; Swine; Swine Diseases; Th1-Th2 Balance; Zearalenone

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Food Contamination; Foodborne Diseases; Mycotoxins; Prevalence; Swine; Swine Diseases; United States; Zearalenone

Feeding experiments with diets containing Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat were conducted to clarify the pathogenesis of enzymatic and histopathological effects of Fusarium toxins on porcine liver cells. A total of 36 prepuberal gilts were divided into four groups and fed diets with increasing proportions of Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat at a total wheat proportion of 40% over a period of 35 days. The concentrations of the indicator toxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) which were analyzed by HPLC methods were 210/4, 3070/88, 6100/235, and 9570/358 microg/kg in the diets fed to groups I-IV, respectively. The feeding of mycotoxin-contaminated diets did not cause gross pathological findings in the livers of the animals. Liver tissues were subjected to enzymatic, histological, and ultrastructural examinations. The percentages of the stained areas in periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Berlin-Blue, and Masson Goldner's trichrome stainings were calculated using the AnalySIS 3.4-system. Significant histopathological findings of alterations with varying degrees in glycogen reduction and increase of hemosiderin particles were found in the liver cells of groups II, III and IV. The thickness of interlobular connective tissue septum in liver cells was significantly increased in groups III and IV. Qualitative ultrastructural alterations were observed in hepatocytes of gilts in groups III and IV. Dependent upon the mycotoxin concentration in the diet, the hepatocytes developed a dose-dependent, extensive, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, exhibited loss of ribosomes, and acquired an increased number of fatty and autophagic vacuoles. However, liver damage as measured by prominent elevated transaminase activities in serum was not detected. Together, the histopathological results provide evidence of liver dysfunction in the absence of clinical signs, especially in pigs fed higher concentrations of Fusarium toxin-contaminated wheat.

Topics: Alanine Transaminase; Animals; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Ca(2+) Mg(2+)-ATPase; Collagen; Edible Grain; Female; Fusarium; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Hemosiderin; Hepatocytes; Liver Diseases; Liver Glycogen; Microscopy, Electron; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Triticum; Zearalenone

This study was conducted to define the characteristics of the uterus of reproductively failed pigs by transcutaneous ultrasonography (SONO) in order to investigate the appropriateness of SONO to diagnose presumptive uterine disorders. Zearalenone (ZEA) is known to affect uterine function and causes endometrial liquid accumulation and was also determined. In 33 sows and 14 gilts, of unknown reproductive stages and culled for failing to conceive, the uterus was scanned transcutaneously and the females slaughtered on the same day or the day after scanning. Parameters determined by SONO were uterine echotexture (UET; graded 1 for homogeneous to 4 for highly heterogeneous), uterine size (US; expressed as the mean sectional area of two to three cross-sections of the uterine horns given in cm2) and intrauterine content. Post mortem, the ovarian structures were assessed and females grouped accordingly into those in estrus (n=2), early diestrus (n=14), diestrus (n=15), late diestrus (n=1), anestrus (n=10) and having polycystic ovarian degeneration (n=5). The uterine weight (UW) was recorded and uterine specimens microscopically evaluated for an endometrial oedema (EO; grades 1 for none, to 4, if an oedema was clearly evident) and for immune cells to assess endometritis. Total ZEA was analysed in bile and females with >or=50 ng/ml judged as positive. The uterus could be examined in all animals. UET, US, UW and EO was found to be different between groups, and a positive correlation (P<0.001) established for US and UET (r=0.71), US and EO (r=0.51), UET and EO (r=0.57), US and UW (UW=357.6 x US(0.801); r=0.88). One female had intrauterine fluid and an acute-chronic endometritis diagnosed. Almost all females had a chronic endometritis and a majority found ZEA positive. No differences were observed between groups and a relationship between ZEA or chronic endometritis and UET, US, UW and EO were not established. In conclusion, transcutaneous SONO is appropriate to examine the uterus in reproductively failed pigs on farms, and the estimation of UET and US gives information on EO and UW. Intrauterine fluid is indicative for a severe uterine inflammation. Since groups differed in UET and US, but were equally ZEA positive and the uteri chronically inflamed, an UET and US specifically associated with ZEA or chronic endometritis is questioned.

Topics: Animals; Bile; Endometritis; Female; Infertility, Female; Organ Size; Ovary; Swine; Swine Diseases; Ultrasonography; Uterine Diseases; Uterus; Zearalenone

The aim of the study was to determine how a low dose of zearalenone applied orally for eight days influences the level of zearalenone (ZEN) and alpha-zearalenole in blood plasma and causes the occurrence of histopathological changes in the cells of the ovarian follicles in sexually immature gilts. The animals were divided into 2 groups (control, C; n = 4 and experimental, E; n = 4). The gilts from group E were treated daily with zearalenone at a dose of 200 microg/kg b.w. The level of zearalenone and alpha-zearalenole (ZON as the sum of the levels of both zearalenone and alpha-zearalenole) was measured daily. On day eight of the experiment the animals were sacrificed and their ovaries were taken for histopathological examination. The tissue sections obtained were HE- and PAS-stained according to McManus. The presence of PCNA antigen was also estimated. The highest concentration of ZON was noted on day 5 in group E (8.16 +/- 2.49 ng/ml). External estrus symptoms without standing reflex were observed in group E on day 4. In group C there were no pathological changes in the ovaries. In group E, a few ovarian follicles were found, but they were located in the cortical layer. They were filled with a liquid substance rich in protein and without the granulosa layer. There was disintegration with apoptotic-like changes of the PCNA-negative cells in the granulosa layer of single mature follicles. On day 4 the dose of zearalenone caused disturbances in the process of development and maturation of some of the best developed ovarian follicles. This probably occurred through the activation of on apoptosis-like process of the granulosa cells with simultaneous manifestation of estrus without standing reflex.

Topics: Animals; Female; Mycotoxicosis; Ovarian Follicle; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone; Zeranol

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium. It evokes disruptions in sex cycle and changes in the morphology of the reproductive organs in pigs. The morphology and ultrastructure of the small intestine mucosa were assessed after the course of the experimental zearalenone mycotoxicosis. During the experiment, pigs were fed feed containing low doses of ZEA. The experiment lasted 7 days and it was carried out on sexually immature gilts that were divided into 3 groups: control group (C) and 2 experimental groups (E1, E2; n=8). Groups E1 and E2 were given ZEA every day at a dose of 200 and 400 microg/kg b.w. The samples of tissues were taken for examinations after the slaughter on the last day of the experiment. No significant changes in the morphology of the intestinal mucosa were found in the experimental animals. Increased activity of the goblet cells and high content of mucinogen vesicles, lymphocytic infiltration, increased activity of endocrine cells and the presence of Paneth cells on the bottom of intestinal crypts, which sugest mobilisation of the local defence mechanisms in the intestinal mucosa, were obseved in group E2.

Topics: Animals; Female; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestine, Small; Mycotoxicosis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

3970 feed samples were analysed for the fusariumtoxins deoxynivalenol and zearalenone. 979 (24.6%) of the submitted feed samples from farms with case history (swine herds: decreased feed intake and daily weight gain, vomiting, cannibalism, impaired fertility, small litter size, weakness of newborn piglets, prolonged oestrus of sows; cattle: persistence of follicular ovarian cysts, enteritis, decreased slaughter weight, feed refusal). 74% of the samples contained cereal and corn ingredients respectively or were complete diet samples from swine herds. Based on economic losses the fusariumtoxin deoxynivalenol is most important in Austrian husbandry and particularly found in maize, cornsilage, wheat and oat.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Austria; Body Weight; Edible Grain; Female; Fusarium; Pregnancy; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zea mays; Zearalenone

Although zearalenone-induced reproductive disorders and the clinical appearance of hyperestrogenism were reproduced and documented quite often the role of zearalenone-contaminated fodder as a cause for fertility problems in sow breeding is still discussed controversial. Therefore the correlation of zearalenone and zearalenone-derivatives in bile (n = 794) and feed (n = 158) with fertility problems of unknown origin was investigated in this study. For the analysis of zearalenone and its derivatives in bile a HPLC/EIA combination was used. On the one hand, this procedure guaranteed the quantitatively reproducible detection, on the other hand, the investigation expenditure could be kept small with regard to a later effort in the routine diagnostics. The detection limits for zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol in bile were at 1.0 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml, and 3.0 ng/ml, respectively. Results were confirmed by GC-MS. Zearalenone and zearalenone-derivatives were detected in almost every bile analysed. The contamination rate was 96.2%. In opposition to recent investigations beta-zearalenol was perceived as a relevant metabolite in swine. The contamination rate of feeding stuffs was 25.9%. Incubation of samples with beta-glucosidase did not elevate the detected amounts of zearalenone. As the measurable concentrations in bile and fodder were only slightly correlated the analysis of bile represents a reasonable alternative for fodder investigation. However, a correlation between the occurrence of zearalenone, alpha- and beta-zearalenol in bile of sows and non-infectious reproductive disorders could not be established at the loading level found. These results are in line with those statements obtained in feeding experiments regarding the risk evaluation of zearalenone in sow reproduction.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Bile; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Fertility; Humans; Infertility, Female; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone; Zeranol

An outbreak of zearalenone mycotoxicosis occurred between early March and mid-April involving 62 suckling piglets of both sexes. The clinical picture was characterized by edematous swelling and reddening of the vulva, sometimes associated with reddening and/or necrosis of the tail. Six female piglets had congenital lesions of the external genitalia while in the remainder clinical signs appeared 2 to 3 d after birth. No sows ingesting the contaminated feed had signs of hyperestrogenism. The distribution of affected litters showed a correlation with poor hygienical conditions. Zearalenone residues were detected only in feed samples from mangers where the hyperestrogenic syndrome occurred.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Animals, Suckling; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Outbreaks; Eating; Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; Female; Food Contamination; Hyperemia; Male; Mycotoxicosis; Necrosis; Swine; Swine Diseases; Tail; Vulva; Zearalenone

Fusarium was isolated and its toxin was extracted from the buckwheat grown in an epidemic area with "endemic breast enlargement" disease. The toxin was determined with thin layer chromatography and mass spectrography. Results showed there were more than four kinds of mould, including fusarium, isolated from buckwheat grown in the endemic disease area. All the buckwheat grown in the area were infected with mould and 34% with fusarium. Three kinds of toxin were extracted from the buckwheat, with rates of flow of 0.23, 0.47 and 0.90, respectively, in thin layer chromatography. And, zearalenone was extracted from the buckwheat and identified by mass spectrography.

Topics: Animals; Breast Diseases; China; Edible Grain; Female; Fusarium; Humans; Male; Swine; Swine Diseases; T-2 Toxin; Zearalenone

Perinatal oestrogen syndrome (F-2 fusariotoxicosis occurring at the perinatal age) was studied in large pig herds and in animal experiments. The disease markedly lowered the conception rate of sows and gilts, and increased the number of repeat breeders. Litter size decreased and the number of stillbirths rose. Both the newborn piglets and the stillborn fetuses showed swelling of the vulva and teats and oedematous infiltration of the perineal region, ventral part of the abdomen and umbilicus, often accompanied by exudative-crusted inflammation, then necrosis of the teats. The number of piglets with splayleg and trembling increased. Gross and histopathological examination revealed enlargement of the ovary and uterus, with signs of follicle maturation in the ovary, glandular proliferation in the endometrium and epithelial proliferation in the vagina in addition to oedema and hyperaemia. In newborn piglets, the signs of hyperoestrogenism could be induced also experimentally, by feeding an F-2 toxin containing diet to pregnant sows. Intrauterine toxin effect was found to be primarily responsible for inducing the syndrome in newborn piglets. Because of its lower quantity, F-2 toxin excreted in the sow's milk is assumed to have a secondary role.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Birth Rate; Female; Fertilization; Food Contamination; Genital Diseases, Female; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome; Zearalenone

Feed samples checked for the mycotoxins zearalenone and ochratoxin A from the harvest 1987 were positive at a markedly higher percentage (37.5%) compared to previous years, which is explained by the especially unfavourable harvesting conditions of 1987. In certain herd problems affecting the digestive or respiratory tract, mycotoxins could be detected with a much higher frequency (64.7% and 50.0% respectively). The mean level detected in feed samples by thin layer chromatography ranged within 30.3 ppb for zearalenone and within 58.3 ppb for ochratoxin A. In most cases there was a history of infertility. Considering the clinical situation, which is presented comparatively in herds with positive mycotoxin results, the possible involvement of mycotoxins in the disease, even at very low concentrations, is pointed out. In this context, zearalenone is incriminated of being an indicator of a multitoxic process besides its own direct effects. According to own experiences low levels of zearalenone in the range of 20-50 ppb in the feed have to be considered hazardous. If changing of pig feed in cases of herd problems will be recommended, a level of less than 10 ppb of zearalenone, especially in sow and piglet rations, should not be exceeded. Same may be valid to ochratoxin A.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chromatography, Thin Layer; Food Contamination; Ochratoxins; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

It has been shown that zearalenone disrupts early pregnancy in swine without altering intrauterine content of estradiol 17 beta or progesterone, embryo migration, or estradiol-17 beta synthesis by blastocysts. However, serum concentrations of progesterone were reduced 2 to 3 weeks after mating in gilts that ingested zearalenone. Therefore, progesterone was administered to gilts during early pregnancy to determine whether it could counteract the detrimental actions of zearalenone on embryonic development. Thirty-two crossbred gilts (Hampshire x Chester White x Yorkshire x Duroc) were assigned randomly to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: zearalenone (Z); zearalenone plus progesterone (ZP); progesterone (P); or control (C). From postmating days 4 to 15, Z- and ZP-treated gilts were fed 1 mg of Z/kg of body weight, and P-treated and C gilts were fed ethanol as vehicle in a corn-soybean diet. On postmating days 3 to 15, P- and ZP-treated gilts were injected IM with 100 mg of progesterone, and C and Z-treated gilts were injected with progesterone carrier (15% ethanol, 15% benzyl alcohol, 70% propylene glycol). Blood was collected from gilts by puncture of the jugular vein daily from days 3 to 15, on alternate days from days 17 to 31, and then twice weekly until the end of the experiment. Fetal development was assessed in Z- and ZP-treated gilts on postmating day 47.6 +/- 2.9 by cesarean section and in P-treated and C gilts at slaughter on postmating days 51.2 +/- 3.2. Serum concentrations of progesterone in P-treated gilts were greater on days 7 to 8, 10 to 15, 17, and 19 than in C gilts. Serum concentrations of progesterone were greater on days 8, 10, and 12 in ZP-treated than in C gilts. However, serum concentrations of progesterone were lower in ZP-treated gilts than in C gilts on postmating days 19 to 31.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Corpus Luteum; Embryonic and Fetal Development; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy, Animal; Progesterone; Random Allocation; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone

Two experiments were conducted to develop a vaginal epithelium bioassay for zearalenone (Z) and to determine whether immunization against Z would prevent Z mycotoxicosis. Eleven gilts were ovariectomized and allotted by weight to dietary doses of 50, 150 or 350 micrograms Z/kg BW daily for 3 d. All doses of Z increased height of the vaginal epithelium. Height of the vaginal epithelium in gilts fed 150 or 350 micrograms Z/kg BW increased more than that in gilts fed 50 micrograms Z/kg BW. Twenty-four gilts then were ovariectomized and allotted to be immunized or not immunized. A Z-bovine serum albumin conjugate was injected into gilts to achieve immunization. Ten weeks after initial immunization, antibodies to Z were detected after a 1:10(7) dilution at greater than .1 absorbance units using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gilts were allotted by weight to diets with no Z or 150 micrograms Z/kg BW daily for 3 d. Immunization alone had no effect on height of vaginal epithelium, but after 3 and 10 d, immunized gilts fed Z had higher vaginal epithelium than did nonimmunized gilts fed Z. Immunized gilts excreted a larger percentage of ingested Z than nonimmunized gilts did. Therefore, immunizing gilts against Z potentiated both the estrogenic effects of Z and urinary excretion of Z equivalents.

Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; Biological Assay; Epithelium; Female; Immunization; Swine; Swine Diseases; Vagina; Zearalenone

Topics: Abortion, Veterinary; Animal Feed; Animals; Cohort Studies; Female; Fetal Death; Food Contamination; Infertility; Litter Size; Mycotoxins; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

For clinical interests it is advisable to subdivide cases of swine poisoning in such as caused by food, drugs and environmental poisonings. This division gives pointers to aetiologic connections and special measures necessary for the clearing of the processes. With food poisoning mycotoxicoses play an evermore important role, whereas poisonings by trace elements are on the decrease. Sodium chloride poisoning often results primarily from insufficient water supply. With environmental poisonings carbon monoxide and cyanamide intoxication are presented. Poisonings caused by drugs are mainly the result of an overdose, of segregation in food or of non-licensed drugs. A relatively unknown swine poisoning by a drug against coccidiosis--licensed for poultry--is described.

Topics: Aflatoxins; Animal Feed; Animals; Arsanilic Acid; Carbon Monoxide Poisoning; Copper; Cyanamide; Dinitolmide; Environment; Ergotism; Mercury Poisoning; Mycotoxins; Ochratoxins; Poisoning; Sodium Chloride; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

A 5-wk feeding trial was conducted with 30 castrated male and 28 female, 5-wk-old crossbred piglets. Three different deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (Z)-contaminated diets were fed: .7, 3.1 and 5.8 ppm DON and 0, .05, and .1 ppm Z, respectively. The animals were fed their respective diets for 4 wk followed by the .7:0-ppm diet during wk 5. Feed intake and weight gain varied in a manner reciprocal to the levels of DON-Z in the diets during the first 4 wk (P less than .05). The castrated males had an overall lower weight gain compared with the females receiving the same diet (P less than .05). Gross postmortem changes were not different in either sex and tended to be most prominent in the pigs fed the lower DON:Z-contaminated diets after the first week, although they were seen in pigs fed the higher DON:Z diets after 4 wk of feeding. Lesions included mild to moderated reddening of the fundic mucosa of the stomach, reddening of the mucosa of the small intestine, and mild to moderate enlargement and edema of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Similarly, the severity of histologic changes tended to vary inversely with the concentrations of DON:Z in the diets after the first week but varied with the concentrations of DON:Z after 4 wk. They consisted of vascular congestion with mild to moderate multifocal erosions and degeneration of the mucosa in the stomach and small intestine. Mild to moderate lymphoid degeneration and depletion were also observed in the Peyer's patches of the intestines, bronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, tonsil and thymus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Feeding Behavior; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Male; Ovariectomy; Resorcinols; Sesquiterpenes; Swine; Swine Diseases; Tissue Distribution; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone

During the 1981 corn harvest season in Illinois and surrounding states, cold wet weather enhanced the growth of Fusarium graminearum, with resulting contamination by vomitoxin and, to a lesser extent, zearalenone. Of 342 feed samples analyzed, 274 contained vomitoxin at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 41.6 ppm (mean, 3.1 ppm) and 40 samples contained zearalenone at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 8 ppm (mean, 0.66 ppm). Animal health problems and reduced growth performance were observed mainly in swine fed vomitoxin-contaminated rations. The predominant clinical complaints, in decreasing frequency were: reproductive problems (50%), feed refusal (43%), reduced weight gain (25%), diarrhea (17%), death (14%), and emesis (11%).

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Body Weight; Diarrhea; Edible Grain; Feeding Behavior; Female; Food Contamination; Gastroenteritis; Illinois; Indiana; Iowa; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Sesquiterpenes; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Weather; Zearalenone

Mycotoxicosis due to ingestion of zearalenone was detected on 2 pig farms on the Atherton Tableland in northern Queensland. In one herd of 200 pigs, this resulted from feeding maize which had been stored with a high moisture content. In the other herd of 1400 pigs, it resulted from feeding sorghum grain which was rain affected before harvest. Concentrations of zearalenone in the feeds ranged up to 8 mg/kg. Most prepubertal gilts in the herds displayed enlarged teats and signs of oestrus such as having red, swollen vulvas. In several cases both rectal and vaginal prolapses occurred. On one of the farms, 25 pigs died as a direct result of prolapses. Autopsy of a 3-month-old gilt revealed apparently enlarged ovaries and uterine horns. Sows and boars seemed to be unaffected. Four gilts failed to conceive following mating during the period of zearalenone ingestion, but apart from this and the deaths from prolapses, production of the herds appeared to be unaffected.

Topics: Animals; Australia; Estrus; Female; Pregnancy; Rectal Prolapse; Resorcinols; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterine Prolapse; Zea mays; Zearalenone

Moldy corn was substituted for normal corn in four dietary treatments to provide 0, 2.1, 3.7 and 4.8 ppm of zearalenone. The diets were fed to gilts from the day after first observed estrus through two gestation-lactation periods. Each diets was fed to 11 gifts initially. Overall reproductive performance appeared to decrease as the level of moldly corn in the diet increased, with fewer sows completing two parities and fewer piglets weaned per litter, especially from sows fed the highest level of moldy corn. Three-week-old gilts that nursed sows fed the highest level of moldy corn had increased weight of reproductive tracts. In 35-d-old gilts, symptoms of estrogenism increased as the level of moldy corn in the diet increased, even though there were no symptoms of estrogenism in the mature gilts or sows fed the same diets. Neither zearalenone nor its metabolites (alpha- and beta-zearalenol) were detected in milk obtained 1 or 14 d postpartum.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Estrus; Female; Fusarium; Lactation; Milk; Organ Size; Parity; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Swine; Swine Diseases; Uterus; Vagina; Zea mays; Zearalenone

A corn culture of Fusarium roseum was added to a standard corn-soybean swine gestation ration. Low, middle, and high dosage mixed feeds contained 7, 38, and 64 mg of zearalenone/kg of feed (7, 38, and 64 ppm) and 0.5, 2.5, and 4.5 mg of deoxynivalenol/kg, respectively. Control feed was the standard ration without added F roseum corn culture. Mature gilts were bred by natural service and fed control or F roseum molded feed from 3 to 34 days after breeding. The main effect of the molded feed was an inhibition of fetal development, with decreased numbers of fetuses present in treated animals at slaughter (38 to 43 days after breeding). Normal litters were present in 7 of 8 control animals, in 2 of 4 gilts given the low-dosage feed, in 1 of 4 gilts given the medium dosage, and in 0 of 4 given the high-dosage feed. Corpora lutea were maintained in all treated animals, as evidenced by serum progesterone concentrations. Serum estradiol concentrations were decreased in gilts in the middle- and high-dosage groups. The genital system of the gilts fed low- and middle-dosage feeds had a gross and microscopic appearance similar to that of the pregnant controls and reflected prolonged progesterone stimulation. Morphologic changes in the genital system of the high-dosage group were intermediate between changes induced by progesterone and those induced by estrogen. Clinical signs of hyperestrogenism and partial feed refusal were noticed in only some of the high-dosage group animals.

Topics: Animals; Corpus Luteum; Embryo Implantation; Endometrium; Female; Fetus; Fusarium; Growth; Litter Size; Mucous Membrane; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal; Resorcinols; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zea mays; Zearalenone

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animal Feed; Animals; Anion Exchange Resins; Body Weight; Dietary Fiber; Dietary Proteins; Female; Ion Exchange Resins; Organ Size; Rats; Resorcinols; Swine; Swine Diseases; Zearalenone; Zeolites

During the spring and summer of 1979 field outbreaks of porcine hyperoestrogenism characterized by swelling and reddening of the vulva and teats in prepubertal gilts and enlargement of the mammae in young males occurred in the mistbelt of the Natal Midlands. On a farm in the Ixopo district, pigs were fed a mixed ratio containing home-grown yellow maize stored on the cob in a crib and all the young pigs with a mass of 25-85 kg (=a total of 350) were affected. Maize ears from the crib had a high percentage (91%) of kernels infected by Fusarium graminearum and contained 10 mg/kg of zearalenone. The mixed ration contained 0,95 mg/kg zearalenone. After dilution of the contaminated maize with good quality white maize, a dramatic decrease in both the incidence and severity of clinical signs occurred within 3-4 days. On a farm in the Winterton district, approximately 80% of the growing pigs with a mass of more than 40 kg fed a mixed ration containing shelled yellow maize from the silo of the local Agricultural Co-operative were affected. The incidence as well as the severity of the swelling of the vulvas and/or treats were lower than on the farm at Ixopo, thus indicating a lower level of oestrogen intake. A sample of maize from the silo delivered to this farm contained only 0,06 mg/kg zearalenone while the mixed ration did not contain chemically detectable levels of zearalenone. This is the first published record of field outbreaks of porcine hyperoestrogenism associated with the ingestion of F. graminearum infected maize contaminated with zearalenone in the Republic of South Africa.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Fusarium; Male; Resorcinols; South Africa; Swine; Swine Diseases; Vulvovaginitis; Weather; Zea mays; Zearalenone

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Disease Outbreaks; Fungi; Mycotoxins; Species Specificity; Swine; Swine Diseases; Yugoslavia; Zearalenone

Epizootic, clinical and pathomorphological investigations were carried out on spontaneously arising oestrogen syndrome in swine following feeding with fodder mixture containing 35-63% maize in which the oestrogen substance z-2 (zearalenon) was found. Clinical symptoms and pathomorphological changes observed in the course of the disease are described. Varying in extent edematous processes were present in the regions around the anus, vulva, prepucium and the mammal complex. Uteruses were twice or thrice enlarged. Varying in size (pea grain to pigeon egg) cystose formations, sclerotic and atrophic changes were found in the ovaries of swine, which had suffered from vulvo-edema and were slaughtered after three months because they could not come in heat. Degenerative changes of the parenchymal organs, blood vessel disturbances in the uterine wall and various degenerative, atrophic and cystose changes in the ovarian folicules were histologically observed.

Topics: Animals; Estrogens; Female; Fusarium; Mycoses; Ovary; Swine; Swine Diseases; Syndrome; Uterus; Zearalenone

The mycotoxins diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone, produced by Fusarium roseum, were found naturally occuring in mixed feed samples. In all cases analyzed, deoxynivalenol occurred together with zearalenone. The natural occurrence of zearalenone in sesame seed is reported for the first time. Strains of F. roseum isolated in various parts of the world form feed implicated in animal mycotoxicosis produced monoacetoxyscirpenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Food Microbiology; Foodborne Diseases; Fusarium; Mycotoxins; Swine; Swine Diseases; Trichothecenes; Zearalenone