INDIVIDUAL AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF T-2 TOXIN AND DAS IN LAYING HENS

1. The individual and combined effects of T-2 toxin and 4,15-diacetoxy scirpenol (DAS) on laying hens were investigated in an experiment cons isting of a 2 X 2 completely randomised factorial design with dietary concentrations of 0 and 2 mg/kg T-2 toxin and 0 and 2 mg/kg DAS. 2. In dividually, T-2 toxin and DAS induced oral lesions in half of the hens and decreased significantly egg production and food intake. 3. The ef fects of T-2 toxin and DAS were additive for reduced food consumption and incidence of oral lesions. However, a synergism for reduced egg pr oduction was observed during the last experimental period. 4. No effec ts on body weight were observed during this study. Mild changes in sel ected plasma enzymes activities and no change in liver malondialdehyde content were detected. 5. The combination of T-2 toxin and DAS was mo re toxic than the single mycotoxins, for some parameters, and therefor e, may pose a greater economic threat to the poultry industry than eit her of the toxins individually.