Efficacy of clay minerals and activated charcoal to bind endotoxins in rumen fluid

Abstract

Laminitis can be a herd health problem and is strongly associated with subacute rumen acidosis (SARA). Lipopolysaccharide concentration from Gram negative bacteria increases during periods of low ruminal pH levels and they can enter the bloodstream. LPS has a vasoactive function and is possibly responsible for laminitis to occur. It is known that clay minerals and activated charcoal are able to bind mycotoxins in vitro and they are being used as a foodadditive to prevent mycotoxicosis. Due to their structure and properties it is hypothesized that they are also capable of binding LPS in vitro. Three trials were conducted to determine if they are indeed able to bind LPS. The first two trials used a fixed amount of LPS, the third trial used an in vitro fermentation model to create an acidosis and subsequent rise in LPS. Three substances were used: activated charcoal, montmorrilonite and Amadeite. From the first two trials it appears that activated charcoal and montmorrilonite are capable to bind LPS in vitro. The third trial did not succeed in creating a rise in LPS although a acidosis was achieved.