Effects of combined mycotoxins and a binder in feed of weaned piglets based on clinical signs

Abstract

Exposure of pigs to DON, ZEA and OTA is poorly described. Effects of these mycotoxins are well documented when administered singly, but little information is known about the interaction between mycotoxins Information that is available is very scattered since there are a lot of mycotoxins. Recent developments on the subject of mycotoxicosis include binders which should bind the mycotoxins or counteract the effects of these mycotoxins. In this trial I tried to evaluate interaction between mycotoxins and the effect of such a binder based on clinical signs. The trial was conducted with 200 piglets, existing of 100 female and 100 castrated male piglets. They were divided into pens of five animals based on sex and weight. They received four different diets. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received the same diet with the addition of the binder. Group 3 received a comparable diet containing 0.9 ppm DON, 75 ppb ZEA and 48 ppb OTA. Group 4 did receive both binder and mycotoxins in comparable concentrations, 0,9 ppm DON, 75 ppb ZEA and 28 ppb OTA. Trial started at weaning, day 21 of life, and endured for 40 days. During those 40 days the piglets were scored via in advance set parameters. The binder did decrease the amount of diarrhoea (P=0.023). No signs of DON or ZEA are seen and therefore no conclusions towards the interactions can be made.