Subacute effects of moderate feed loads of isolated Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol on selected parameters of metabolism in weaned growing piglets

Abstract

In 36 female weaned piglets, the effect of different dosages (0, 300, 600 and 1200 μg/kg feed) of isolated, pure Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) was examined during a period of 8 weeks. Standardised trial conditions were provided. Pigs were fed restrictively to allow a complete feed intake of all animals. Parameters of liver integrity, haematological data and blood concentrations of some selected metabolic components of energy and protein metabolism were examined weekly. Enzyme aspartate aminotransferase was affected subclinically by age and significantly by dosage, which was proved by Wald F-test. Some additional enzymes, for instance alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, glutamate dehydrogenase and sorbit dehydrogenase, showed no clear systematic effect. Urea and glucose in the blood were inter-related. Depending on DON load with increasing glucose concentrations, the urea level declined. Albumin and total protein in serum showed no significant DON-related effect. Haemoglobin in blood was found to be significantly affected by DON, which was proved by the Wald F-test, where the effect was more pronounced with 600 μg DON/kg diet compared to 1 200 μg DON/kg. An obvious DON-related affection of liver, N-metabolism and stimulation of haematopoiesis depending on dosage and time is discussed. © 2006 The Authors.