Toxicity of moniliformin from Fusarium fujikuroi culture material to growing barrows

In two studies, the effects of moniliformin (M)-contaminated diets from Fus arium fujikuroi culture material on growing barrows were evaluated. In the first study, six barrows (three replicates of two each, mean body weight = 17.8 kg) per group (four groups; 24 barrows total) were fed diets calculate d to contain 0 mg M/kg feed (control); 25 mg M/kg feed; 50 mg M/kg feed; or 100 mg M/kg feed for 28 days. In the second study, the same experimental d esign and numbers of barrows (mean body weight = 15.3 kg) were used, and di ets were formulated to contain 0 mg M/kg feed (control); 50 mg M/kg feed, 1 00 mg M/kg feed; or 200 mg M/kg feed. Diets of 100 mg or 200 mg M/kg feed r educed body weight, body weight gain, and feed consumption. Serum biochemic al analytes were affected by 100 to 200 mg M/kg feed. Hematologic values we re affected by 50, 100, and 200 mg M/kg feed. In the first study, one barro w in the 100 mg M-treated group died, and in the second study, one barrow d ied in the 100 mg M-treated group, and five barrows died in the 200 mg M-tr eated group. Relative heart weight was increased in the 200 mg M-treated ba rrows, yet tissues from organs collected from treatment groups were general ly histologically unimpressive. The most consistent sign of M toxicity in b arrows appeared to be death induced within 2 to 5 days by 100 to 200 mg M/k g feed.