REVIEW PAPER
Relevance of the Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol
and zearalenone in ruminant nutrition. A review
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Institute of Animal Nutrition, Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL), Braunschweig,
Bundesallee 50, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany
Publication date: 2005-01-31
Corresponding author
K. Seeling
Institute of Animal Nutrition, Federal Agricultural Research Centre (FAL), Braunschweig,
Bundesallee 50, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany
J. Anim. Feed Sci. 2005;14(1):3-40
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) produced by Fusarium species are agriculturally
important mycotoxins of relevance to livestock health. While ZON is known to cause oestrogenic
syndromes in animals, a moderate ingestion of DON is associated with reduced performance and
immune function. Among farm animals, ruminants appear to have a higher tolerance towards the
effects of DON and ZON. As a consequence, feed producers may allocate cereals and roughages
which appear contaminated with Fusarium toxins to ruminants. In combination with enhanced toxin
concentrations during so-called Fusarium years, the possible effects in ruminants cannot be overlooked.
However, only limited and inconsistent literature data are available about the effects of DON and ZON
on ruminants. On the basis of the literature, the kinetics, biotransformation and carry over, as well
as the effects of DON and ZON on ruminants, are reviewed. Furthermore, dosage and duration of
toxin exposure as well as genetic and physiological factors of ruminants which could influence the
variability of the toxin effects are considered and discussed. It is concluded that additional research is
needed to study the effects of DON and ZON on ruminants, especially in lactating dairy cows.
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