A feeding trial with dairy cows fed graded proportions of a Fusarium toxin contaminated maize containing mainly deoxynivalenol (DON) was carried out to relate the plasma levels of DON, zearalenone (ZEN) and their metabolites to the performance. German Holstein cows (n=30) were divided into three groups (n=10 in each): CON (0.02mgZEN and 0.07mgDON, per kg dry matter, DM), FUS-50 (0.33mg ZEN and 2.62mgDON, per kg DM), FUS-100 (0.66mgZEN and 5.24mgDON, per kg DM). The average performance level was characterised by daily DM intake, energy balance and milk yield which were not affected by the DON and ZEN levels in feed. DON, de-epoxy-DON (de-DON) and ZEN were detected simultaneously in all plasma samples. A linear relationship between toxin intake and plasma levels could be established. Moreover, a linear relationship between DON and de-DON concentration could be derived. It was concluded that DON and ZEN intake of 0.5mgZEN/kg and 5mgDON/kg (current guidance values) had no considerable effects on the performance parameter of dairy cows. Furthermore, increased plasma concentrations of ZEN, DON and de-DON may hint on toxin exposure through the diets.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.12.020DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

dairy cows
12
zearalenone zen
8
don
8
deoxynivalenol don
8
cows fed
8
contaminated maize
8
plasma levels
8
don zen
8
linear relationship
8
don de-don
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!