Weight gain, feed consumption and histology of organs from piglets fed rations containing low levels of fumonisin B 1

Abstract:

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is a secondary metabolite produced mainly by Fusarium verticilioides in several types of foods, particularly corn, which is the basis for composition of feed for several domestic animals. FB₁ is particularly toxic to pigs, being the clinical manifestations evident in animals exposed to high concentrations of FB₁ in the diet (generally above 30mg/kg). However, there are few studies on the effects of FB₁ on pigs fed rations containing low concentrations of fumonisin, which are most probably found under field conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a 28-day exposure of piglets to low levels of FB₁ in the feed on the weight gain, feed consumption, organ weights and histological aspects of the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys and heart. Twenty-four pigs were assigned into 4 experimental groups and fed diets containing 0mg (control), 3.0mg, 6.0mg or 9.0mg FB₁/kg diet. The different diets did not affect (P>0.05) the weight gain or the weight of organs examined. There were no macroscopic or histological lesions in the spleen, liver, kidneys and heart. However, histological lesions were found in the lungs from all animals fed rations containing fumonisin, hence indicating that none of the FB₁ levels used in the experiment could be considered as safe for piglets. Further studies on the mechanisms of toxic action of FB₁ in pigs are needed, particularly under conditions of prolonged exposure to low contamination levels in the diet.

Index Terms:
Fumonisin B₁ ; FB₁ ; low levels; swine; toxic effects; mycotoxicosis