Effects of feed-borne Fusarium mycotoxins on fryer rabbits

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Authors
Hewitt, Meghan A.
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Publisher
University of Guelph
Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination of feedstuffs is a significant challenge to animal health globally. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone are the ' Fusarium' mycotoxins most commonly found in Canadian-grown feedstuffs. There is very little information available regarding the sensitivity of fryer rabbits to diets naturally contaminated with 'Fusarium' mycotoxins. The efficacy of a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA) in preventing ' Fusarium' mycotoxicosis was examined. A marked increase in water consumption, and blood urea levels were seen in response to the feeding of contaminated diets. This may have been the result of impaired liver and kidney function. Hypothalamic concentrations of 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and Serotonin (5-HT) were reduced and a correlation between pons 5-HIAA/5-HT and Homovanillic Acid (HVA)/ Dopamine (DA) and feed intake was observed. GMA had little efficacy in preventing the adverse effects of the 'Fusarium' challenge. It was concluded that rabbits are less sensitive to feed-borne 'Fusarium ' mycotoxins than other monogastric species.

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Keywords
mycotoxin contamination, feedstuffs, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, Fusarium mycotoxin, fryer rabbits, diet, polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent
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