Cadmium and lead contamination in vegetables collected from industrial,traffic and rural areas in Bursa Province,Turkey

Cadmium and lead contamination of vegetables produced in rural areas of Bursa Province, Turkey, was found to be less contaminated than vegetables grown close to heavy traffic and industrial activities. The highest levels of cadmium and lead were found in lettuce; the lowest levels in vegetables were found in leeks. The lead levels in spinach grown in traffic areas were at least twofold higher than those found in industrial areas. For other vegetables, the results from industrial and traffic areas were almost identical. Lettuce grown in traffic areas had the highest amount of cadmium (0.81 ± 0.25 mg kg^?1) and lead (1.59 ± 0.45 mg kg^?1), whilst leeks grown in rural areas had the lowest levels of lead (0.10 ± 0.03 mg kg^?1) and cadmium (0.05 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1) compared with other vegetables. This study shows that people and animals living in the same area in Bursa are always exposed to metallic pollution and in turn the consumption of contaminated vegetables could lead to increased dietary intake.     

Trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus,Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus)

Accumulation levels of trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus) from the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey were investigated. Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lowest Cu (1.33 mg kg^?1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg^?1) and highest Mn (1.52 mg kg^?1) concentrations were found in P. longirostris, the lowest Zn (6.25 mg kg^?1), Fe (1.84 mg kg^?1) and Mn (0.25 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. serratus and the highest Cu (6.19 mg kg^?1), Cd (2.36 mg kg^?1), Zn (30.84 mg kg^?1) and Fe (33.89 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. semisulcatus. The Cd levels detected in P. semisulcatus and P. serratus were above legislative limits. Our results show that there were significant differences in trace element concentrations among the three shrimp species. The highest levels of the five trace elements investigated, with the exception of Mn, were found in edible tissue of P. semisulcatus. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of cadmium and selected micronutrients in commonly used and traded medicinal plants in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants commonly used and traded in Turkey were monitored for their cadmium and selected micronutrient (copper, iron, manganese and zinc) content. RESULTS: Cadmium was not detected in any sample of licorice extract, linden flowers or nettle leaves. However, in the rest of the samples, cadmium was found in the range of 7–126 µg kg^?1, with the highest concentration in chamomile leaf. Of all the monitored trace elements, the highest concentration found was 520 mg kg^?1 iron in zahter. The highest copper, manganese and zinc concentrations were found in rose hips (24 mg kg^?1), Turkish oregano (58 mg kg^?1) and zahter (50 mg kg^?1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal that cadmium and trace element concentrations in medicinal plants commonly used as traditional medicines in Turkey are well below the critical levels. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of dietary supplementation of cysteamine on growth performance,carcass quality,serum hormones and gastric ulcer in finishing pigs

A study was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of dietary inclusion of a cysteamine (Cs) preparation on growth performance, carcass quality, plasma hormone levels, gastric pH and occurrence of gastric ulcer in finishing pigs. A total of 384 Landrace × Large White finishing pigs, (192 gilts and 192 barrows) with an average initial body weight of 66.05 ± 0.623 kg (mean ± SEM) were randomly divided into 24 floor pens, with eight gilts and eight barrows in each pen (9.2 m²) as one experimental unit. The 24 pens of pigs were randomly allocated to one of three diets: (1) a maize/soybean meal basal diet; (2) the basal diet plus 30 mg Cs kg^?1 diet; and (3) the basal diet plus 50 mg Cs kg^?1 diet. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.01) on final body weight and average daily gain, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs quadratically improved (P < 0.01) average daily feed intake and feed/gain ratio, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1. Dietary supplementation of Cs had a quadratic effect (P < 0.01) on muscle RNA/DNA ratio. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of Cs reduced (P < 0.05) back‐fat thickness. Dietary supplementation of Cs had quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on plasma glucagon and T₃ hormone levels, with optimal responses occurring at 30 mg kg^?1, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on plasma growth hormone, insulin and T₄ levels. There were no apparent pathological changes seen in the stomach mucosa of pigs fed at 30 mg Cs kg^?1 compared with the control diet. It is concluded that a low dose of dietary inclusion of Cs at 30 mg kg^?1 can improve growth performance and carcass quality without adverse effects on the stomach in finishing pigs. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of folic acid on the performance of suckling piglets and sows during lactation

BACKGROUND: The present research was conducted to investigate the influences of supplementation with different levels of folic acids in diet on the performance of lactating sows. Twenty Landrace × Yorkshire sows received the same basal corn–soybean diets (folic acid, 1.3 mg kg^?1) from gestation to parturition (day 107). After parturition, sows were allotted to four treatments: control group (folic acid supplementation level, 0 mg kg^?1), group 1 (12.5 mg kg^?1), group 2 (50 mg kg^?1) and group 3 (100 mg kg^?1), with five replicates of one sow. The experiment lasted for 21 days. RESULTS: (1) Folic acid increased milk production (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the control, supplementation with folic acid (100 mg kg^?1) increased the concentration of butter fat, total substance and non‐lipoid substance significantly (P < 0.01), the concentration of milk protein was also significantly increased in group 2 and group 3 (P < 0.01) in milk. (3) Folic acid supplementation could increase litter weaning weight, average piglet weaning weight and average piglet daily gain (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggested that supplementation with folic acid in the diets of lactating sows increases milk production, improved milk quality and the performance of piglets. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Soil and vegetable compositional relationships of eight potentially toxic metals in urban garden fields from northern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to heavy metals is attributed to consumption of vegetables raised in polluted soil environment. We examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils and lettuce (Latuca sativa) and amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus) in 15 garden fields under long‐term wastewater irrigation. RESULTS: The concentrations of As (0.3–2.1 mg kg^?1), Cd (0.07–0.3 mg kg^?1), Co (4.6–9.1 mg kg^?1) and Cr (21.6–36.2 mg kg^?1) in the gardens were consistent with background concentrations in soils, but Ni (12.6–25.7 mg kg^?1), Cu (12.5–24.6 mg kg^?1), Pb (25.7–71.6 mg kg^?1) and Zn (52.3–158 mg kg^?1) concentrations were double the concentrations normally encountered in arable fields in the region. The concentrations of Cd and As in the vegetables were within safe limits, but Co (0.14–0.67 mg kg^?1 fresh weight (fw)) and Ni (1.0–2.7 mg kg^?1 fw) concentrations in lettuce were relatively high for leaf vegetables. The concentration of Pb (0.65–4.80 mg kg^?1 fw) was above safe limit of 0.3 mg kg^?1 fw, while the concentrations of Cu (1.3–2.7 mg kg^?1 fw and Zn (10.2–23.6 mg kg^?1 fw) were close to the unsafe limits for leaf vegetables. There were no strong linear correlations between soil metal concentrations and bio‐concentrations in the vegetable crops. CONCLUSION: We surmise that leaf vegetables can accumulate metals in their tissues to unsafe levels even when total metal concentrations in these soils are below the allowable concentrations in agricultural soils. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of lead and cadmium content in sausages from Iran

The contents of lead and cadmium in five major brands of six types of cooked beef sausages consumed in Iran were determined by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) after hydrogen peroxide/nitric acid digestion. The metal content in the samples, expressed in µg?kg^?1 wet weight, varied from 24.0 to 158.7 with an average of 53.5 for lead and from 2.2 to 13.5 with an average of 5.7 for cadmium. The highest lead and cadmium concentrations were obtained from a German sausage (158.7?µg?kg^?1; brand B) and hot dog (13.5?µg?kg^?1; brand D), respectively. The results indicate that the sausages from Iran have concentrations below the permitted levels for these heavy metals. The daily dietary intakes and the percentage contribution of the two considered metals to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) were calculated for sausages.     

Ileal digestibility of defatted soybean,lupin and chickpea seed meals in cannulated Iberian pigs: II. Fatty acids and carbohydrates

Five castrated male Iberian pigs (100 ± 2 kg mean live body weight) fitted with T‐shaped ileal cannulas were used to determine ileal digestibility of legume seed meals. The diets were based on defatted soybean (256 g kg^?1), lupin (451 g kg^?1) or chickpea (731 g kg^?1) seed meals and contained similar amounts of digestible energy (14.2–15.1 kJ g^?1) and protein (107 g kg^?1). Only myristic acid (C14:0) ileal apparent digestibility was higher (p < 0.05) in lupin than in chickpea meal. Ileal apparent digestibility of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) (710–920 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of saturated (480–710 g kg^?1) FA for both seed meals. Ileal digestibility of chickpea starch was 850 g kg^?1. Ileal digestibility of oligosaccharides (sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, verbascose and ciceritol) in lupin (820 g kg^?1) and chickpea (690 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than that of defatted soybean (510 g kg^?1). However, total amounts of oligosaccharides digested were higher (p < 0.05) for lupin and chickpea meals (29.6 and 24.6 g kg^?1 feed respectively) than for soybean (15.2 g kg^?1 feed). Among individual non‐starch polysaccharide (NSP) sugars, ileal digestibility values for rhamnose and xylose in lupins were higher (p < 0.05) than those for soybean or chickpea. Ileal digestibility of lupin meal NSP (650 g kg^?1) was higher (p < 0.05) than those of soybean (560 g kg^?1) or chickpea (430 g kg^?1). Up to the terminal ileum, higher (p < 0.05) amounts of lupin total NSP (94.1 g kg^?1) than for soybean (24.3 g kg^?1) or chickpea (27.1 g kg^?1) were digested. Lactate, acetate and isobutyrate concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in ileal contents of pigs fed lupin and chickpea seed meals compared with soybean‐fed animals. It is concluded that higher lactate and short chain fatty acids concentrations in ileal contents of pigs fed lupin or chickpea seed meals compared with soybean are likely to be the result of higher total amounts of lupin NSP and/or lupin and chickpea oligosaccharides digested up to the terminal ileum. This might have a protective effect on Iberian pig's intestinal physiology. Both lupin and chickpea meals are likely to constitute a valuable alternative to defatted soybean in Iberian pig feeding. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Aflatoxin and its metabolites in tissues from laying hens and broiler chickens fed a contaminated diet

Two groups of 32 hens and broiler chickens were contaminated with 2.5 and 5 mg of aflatoxin (AF) kg^?1 feed for a period of 32 days. During this contamination 16 birds were sacrificed and aflatoxin and its metabolites were detected using thin-layer chrotnatography and fluorescence densisometry. The tissues analysed (liver, muscle, kidney, gizzard and eggs) gave a wide range of concentrations, the lowest was found in ben muscle (0.05 μg kg^?1 of AFB₁) and the highest in gizzards from the 5 mg kg^?1 group of the hens (9.01 μg kg^?1 of AFB₁). Metabolites of AFB₁, AFM, and AFB_2a appeared in the liver but not in other tissues. In broiler's tissues, the following metabolities were isolated: AFM₁ and AFB_2a, in liver, aflatoxicol in muscle and AFM₁ and AFB_2a in kidneys, all having concentrations lower than AFB₁. Aflatoxicol was isolated from one egg sample (0.32 μg kg^?1). For both types of birds, aflatoxin clearance time was only 24 h for muscle and kidneys. In livers from the 5 mg kg^?1 group, AFM₁ and AFB_2a were still found 4 days after removal of the contaminated feed. In eggs and gizzards, aflatoxin residue was still detected on the 8th day of the clearance period although in low quantities. In the broiler's gizzards, clearance time was only 24 h. These results suggest that aflatoxin transfer to edible tissues is very small and the danger of contaminations to humans is also very small, except in the case of gizzards.     

Residues of ethoxyquin in poultry tissues and eggs

Tissues of broilers raised experimentally on diets containing the feed antioxidant ethoxyquin (6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline) contained very low levels of this compound (<0.005 mg kg^?1) both raw and after roasting. Residues were higher in liver (up to 0.063 mg kg^?1) and highest in what appeared to be the major deposition site, the body fat (0.215 mg kg^?1). The body fat of commercial broiler samples showed much lower levels (0.015-0.051 mg kg^?1). Leg and breast muscles from laying hens after 30 weeks on the experimental diets had low ethoxyquin levels (< 0.005 mg kg^?1) with a higher liver content (0.048 mg kg^?1) and again the highest level in the body fat (0.238 mg kg^?1). Eggs from these hens contained 0.031 mg kg^?1 ethoxyquin, probably all in the yolk. Market samples of eggs from five major producers gave an average value of 0.011 mg kg^?1. A rapid and considerable loss of ethoxyquin occurred in the feed troughs, the concentration dropping from 125 mg kg^?1 to 90 mg kg^?1 in four hours.     

The influence of fibre level and fat supplementation in expander‐processed diets on grower–finisher pig performance

Seventy‐two entire male pigs (40.4 ± 1.0 kg) were used to study the effects of increasing crude fibre (CF) level in the diet and maintaining the digestible energy (DE) content of the diet by increasing dietary fat inclusion on pig performance and nutrient digestibility in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. Productive performance and nutrient digestibility were determined in individually fed pigs offered expander‐processed pelleted diets ad libitum containing three levels of CF (50, 60 and 70 g kg^?1) and two levels of fat supplementation (25 and 50 g kg^?1) until slaughter at 100 kg. All diets were expander processed at 105 °C for 5 s at 35 bar pressure having been previously conditioned at 85 °C for 5 s. All diets were formulated to have similar concentrations of digestible energy (13.5 MJ kg^?1) and lysine (10 g kg^?1) and the fat source was a 60:40 blend of tallow and palm oil. The increase in dietary CF level decreased (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter (OM) and energy, while the inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat decreased (P < 0.01) OM and energy digestibility. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet increased (P < 0.01) ether extract digestibility at the 50 and 60 g kg^?1 CF levels; however, fat inclusion had no effect at the 70 g kg^?1 CF level. There was no CF × fat interaction in any growth criteria. The inclusion of 50 g kg^?1 fat in the diet significantly reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (2.28 versus 2.43 kg day^?1, SEM 0.039), average daily gain (ADG; 0.877 versus 0.927 kg day^?1, SEM 0.017) and DE conversion ratio (36.1 versus 35.0 MJ kg^?1, SEM 0.40). The increase in dietary CF level decreased (linear, P < 0.05) feed intake (2.45 versus 2.32 versus 2.29 kg day^?1, SEM 0.040), ADG (0.940 versus 0.896 versus 0.872 kg day^?1, SEM 0.021) and kill‐out proportion (740 versus 741 versus 730 g kg^?1, SEM 3.6). In conclusion, increasing both the CF level and supplementary fat inclusion rate had a negative effect on pig growth performance and nutrient digestibility. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Doxycycline and sulfadimethoxine transfer from cross-contaminated feed to chicken tissues

During feed preparation at feed mills or during feed mixing in bins at farms, the accidental contamination of feed at trace levels by veterinary drug residues, commonly known as carry-over, can accidentally but frequently occur. To evaluate the concentrations of residual antimicrobials in poultry edible tissues, due to contaminated feed, sulfadimethoxine and doxycycline were administered for 10 days to chickens in poultry feed incurred at the contamination levels frequently found during national feed monitoring programmes (1–5?mg?kg^?1). Sulfadimethoxine and doxycycline residual concentrations detected in muscle (<LOD and 31?µg?kg^?1, respectively), liver (13 and 56?µg?kg^?1, respectively) and kidney (56 and 115?µg?kg^?1, respectively) were compared with their maximum residue limits (MRLs) fixed by EC 470/2009 and EU 37/2010 Regulations for a preliminary risk evaluation.     

Cadmium content in fresh and canned squid (Loligo opalescens) from the Pacific coastal waters of California (USA)

Cadmium (Cd) levels were determined in 70 samples of mantle tissue and 70 whole individual squid (Loligo opalescens; commercially known as California squid). Samples were collected from the coastal zones of California (USA) during the period 2007/2008. To further investigate consumer exposure to processed fishery products, cadmium concentration was also determined in 200 canned samples of squid. Cd concentrations in raw mantle were low, between 0.01 and 0.29 mg kg^?1 and below the tolerance limit of current regulations (1 mg kg^?1). Respective concentrations in whole individuals were significantly higher, ranging from 0.51 to 1.18 mg kg^?1, attributed to the presence of the visceral portion in whole squid samples. Cd concentrations varied in relation to age and sex of squid, indicating that several physiological factors may influence accumulation. Furthermore, canning of squid substantially enhanced Cd levels. Cd concentration ranged 0.17–0.67 mg kg^?1 in canned mantle tissue and 0.86–2.07 mg kg^?1 in canned whole squid samples, due to both concentration after canning and movement of the metal between different tissues. Several biological compounds, including metallothioneins, nucleic acids and enzymes, may affect Cd concentrations in commercial fishery products.     

Validation of the procedure for the determination of maduramicin in concentrates,premixes, and feeds by liquid chromatography

A single laboratory validation was carried out for the determination of maduramicin in concentrates, premixes, and feed. The method comprised sample extraction of maduramicin, derivatization with dansylhydrazine and liquid chromatography with ultraviolet light detection. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.4 and 1.0 mg kg^?1, respectively. The repeatability expressed as the average difference between the results of duplicate measurements was 5.9% at the concentration level of 1% (concentrate), 7.1% at the concentration level of 1 g kg^?1 (premix), and 11% with the feed containing maduramicin with the nominal concentration of 5 mg kg^?1 and feed spiked at the concentration level of 1 mg kg^?1. The relative standard deviations for the within-laboratory reproducibility (RSD_W) were 9.2%, 16%, 18%, and 17% at the concentration levels of 1%, 1 g kg^?1, 5 mg kg^?1, and 1 mg kg^?1, respectively. The measurement uncertainties were ±0.2%, ±0.3 g kg^?1, ±1.9 mg kg^?1, and ±0.3 mg kg^?1 at the same concentration levels, respectively.     

Lead and cadmium in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata), in natura and at food processing stages

ABSTRACT

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in mangrove root crab (Goniopsis cruentata) tissues (in natura) and in two culinary preparations by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mangrove root crab samples from three sampling sites along the Jaguaripe River, Bahia, Brazil, where lead-glazed ceramics are produced, and from two commercial preparations were collected or purchased in March and April 2016. Cd levels in raw and processed samples were below the methods’ limits of detection (0.016 mg kg^?1), while Pb levels in the raw tissues were determined only in the gills (0.67 mg kg^?1) and in the hepatopancreas (0.14 mg kg^?1). However, Pb levels increased from 0.05 to 2.84 mg kg^?1 in boiled/sorted muscle and in the traditional stew (with a 57-fold increase), respectively. Pb levels augmented significantly in the processed food due to migration of Pb used in the glazing of cooking ceramic utensils, surpassing the Brazilian and international safety limits.     

Elements in rice from the Swedish market: 1. Cadmium,lead and arsenic (total and inorganic)

A survey of the levels of cadmium, lead and arsenic in different types of rice available on the Swedish retail market was carried out in 2001–03. The types of rice included long and short grain, brown, white, and parboiled white rice. The mean levels found were as follows: total As: 0.20 mg kg^?1, inorganic As: 0.11 mg kg^?1; Cd: 0.024 mg kg^?1; and Pb: 0.004 mg kg^?1. ICP-MS was used for the determination of As (total and inorganic) after acid digestion. Lead and cadmium were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after dry ashing. In countries where rice is a staple food, it may represent a significant contribution in relation to the provisional tolerable weekly intake for Cd and inorganic As.     

Analysis of environmental chemical residues in products of emerging aquaculture industry in Uganda as case study for Sub-Saharan Africa

A study was conducted to analyse market-regulated heavy metals (lead, mercury and cadmium), organochlorine pesticides and total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in samples of 38 farmed fish comprising Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (20 samples) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (18 samples) from ten selected fish farms in Uganda. The goal of this case study was to understand the safety of aquaculture products from Sub-Saharan Africa. Lead was detected in all the 38 samples (maximum = 1.08 mg kg^?1 (dry weight)), mercury in 31 out of 38 samples (maximum = 0.35 mg kg^?1 (dry weight)), and cadmium in two samples (maximum = 0.03 mg kg^?1 (dry weight)). Total levels of PCBs were below the limit of detection of 0.02 mg kg^?1 (wet weight) in all the samples. Traces of 4,4′-dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were detected in ten out of 38 samples (maximum = 0.01 mg kg^?1 (wet weight)) making it the most prevalent organochlorine pesticide. Other pesticides detected were: 4,4′-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan sulphate, which were found in one fish sample (both 0.002 mg kg^?1 (wet weight)). There was no statistically significant difference between the levels of lead and mercury in catfish and tilapia (t-test at p = 0.05). More catfish samples (eight) contained DDE as compared with tilapia (two). Cadmium, DDT and endosufan sulphate were only detected in catfish implying that catfish is more prone to contamination than tilapia. The levels of contaminants were below the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) action levels and European Union maximum residue limits (MRLs), indicating that such fish have the potential for export to these markets.     

The interaction between threonine and avilamycin on piglet performance and diet digestibility post weaning

A 3 × 2 factorial experimental design was used to investigate the interaction between threonine level (8.6, 10.5 or 12.1 g kg^?1) and an antimicrobial growth promoter (0 or 60 mg kg^?1 avilamycin) in piglet starter diets. Three hundred and sixty weaned piglets (24 d of age; 5.9 kg live weight) were blocked on the basis of live weight and assigned to one of six dietary treatments. The treatments were (1) 8.6 g kg^?1 threonine and avilamycin, (2) 10.5 g kg^?1 threonine and avilamycin, (3) 12.1 g kg^?1 threonine and avilamycin, (4) 8.6 g kg^?1 threonine and no avilamycin, (5) 10.5 g kg^?1 threonine and no avilamycin and (6) 12.1 g kg^?1 threonine and no avilamycin. The diets were formulated to have identical concentrations of digestible energy (16 MJ kg^?1) and total lysine (16 g kg^?1). There was no interaction between threonine and avilamycin in any performance variable measured. Neither the level of threonine nor the inclusion of avilamycin in the diet had any effect on feed intake, average daily gain or food conversion ratio. There was a significant interaction between threonine level and avilamycin inclusion in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, ash, neutral detergent fibre and gross energy and also digestible energy content. In the absence of avilamycin, there was a linear increase in nutrient digestibility to increased threonine levels in the diet. However, in the presence of avilamycin there was a quadratic response to increased threonine levels. In conclusion, optimum piglet performance was achieved at a threonine level of 8.6 g kg^?1 and there was no advantage to avilamycin inclusion under current conditions. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of aflatoxin,ochratoxin and their combination on protein and energy utilisation in white leghorn laying hens

The effect of dietary aflatoxin B₁ (AF) at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg kg^?1, ochratoxin A (OA) at levels of 1, 2 and 4 mg kg^?1 and their corresponding combinations on protein and energy utilisation as well as energy partitioning was studied in white leghorn laying hens. Protein retention was adversely affected at all levels of AF and OA either singly or in combination, though the effect was more evident with OA and AF + OA. Minimum protein retention was recorded in hens fed the combination of toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg^?1 AF + 4 mg kg^?1 OA). Aflatoxin at 1 and 2 mg kg^?1 and OA and AF + OA at all levels caused a significant reduction in metabolisable energy (ME) value of the diets. The minimum ME value was recorded for the diet containing both toxins at their highest levels (2 mg kg^?1 AF + 4 mg kg^?1 OA). A significant depression in egg energy deposition was observed with dietary inclusion of 1 and 2 mg kg^?1 AF, 2 and 4 mg kg^?1 OA and all levels of AF + OA in period I. In period II the reduction in egg energy deposition was significant at all levels of toxins either singly or in combination. Body energy deposition was adversely affected in hens fed the highest levels of AF (2 mg kg^?1) and OA (4 mg kg^?1) and all levels of AF + OA in period I. However, in period II a significant decrease in body energy deposition was observed at all levels of toxins except 1 mg kg^?1 OA. A significant increase in maintenance energy (ME_m/W^0.75 day^?1) requirement was recorded in hens fed 2 mg kg^?1 AF, 4 mg kg^?1 OA and all levels of AF + OA. It is suggested that AF and OA either singly or in combination affect not only protein and energy utilisation in laying hens but also energy partitioning i.e. egg and body energy deposition and maintenance energy requirement. However, the combination of toxins (AF + OA) has more severe adverse effects on all parameters than the individual toxins because of their synergistic toxicity effect. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects and biotransformation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in growing pigs fed with naturally contaminated pelleted grains with and without the addition of Coriobacteriaceum DSM 11798

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most prevalent Fusarium mycotoxins in grain and can cause economic losses in pig farming due to reduced feed consumption and lower weight gains. Biodetoxification of mycotoxins using bacterial strains has been a focus of research for many years. However, only a few in vivo studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of microbial detoxification of fusariotoxins. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effect of a feed additive containing the bacterial strain Coriobacteriaceum DSM 11798 (the active ingredient in Biomin® BBSH 797) on growth performance and blood parameters, as well as uptake and metabolism of DON, in growing pigs. Forty-eight crossbred (Landrace-Yorkshire/Duroc-Duroc) weaning pigs were fed with pelleted feed made from naturally contaminated oats, with DON at four concentration levels: (1) control diet (DON < 0.2 mg kg^?1), (2) low-contaminated diet (DON = 0.92 mg kg^?1), (3) medium-contaminated diet (DON = 2.2 mg kg^?1) and (4) high-contaminated diet (DON = 5.0 mg kg^?1) and equivalent diets containing DSM 11798 as feed additive. During the first 7 days of exposure, pigs in the highest-dose group showed a 20–28% reduction in feed intake and a 24–34% reduction in weight gain compared with pigs in the control and low-dose groups. These differences were levelled out by study completion. Towards the end of the experiment, dose-dependent reductions in serum albumin, globulin and total serum protein were noted in the groups fed with DON-contaminated feed compared with the controls. The addition of DSM 11798 had no effect on the DON-related clinical effects or on the plasma concentrations of DON. The ineffectiveness of the feed additive in the present study could be a consequence of its use in pelleted feed, which might have hindered its rapid release, accessibility or detoxification efficiency in the pig’s gastrointestinal tract.