Application of mycotoxin adsorbent to cattle feed contaminated with zearalenone: urinary zearalenone excretion and association with anti-Müllerian hormone

Abstract

This study investigated (1) protective effects of a commercially available mycotoxin adsorbent (MA) and (2) endocrine effects of in vivo exposure to zearalenone (ZEA) in cattle. The sample included a Japanese Black female cattle herd (MYT herd) that displayed persistently high urinary ZEA concentrations. A second herd (NM herd) was used as a control. Three groups from each herd were assessed: MX (n=6; MA mixed with concentrate), TD (n=6; MA applied as topdressing with the concentrate), and a positive control (n=6; no MA application). Urine and blood samples were collected at the start of MA supplementation (day 0), on the final day of supplementation (day 16), and on the final day of the sampling period (day 58 for MYT herd and day 50 for NM herd). Urinary ZEA concentrations (pg/mg of creatinine) were measured by ELISA and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Haematological and serum biochemical analyses were performed to monitor hepatic, renal, nutritional, and mineral intake statuses. Ovulation status was assessed by progesterone (P4) and antral follicle population by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. The urinary concentrations of ZEA and its metabolites in the MX and TD groups were significantly lower (P<0.05) at day 16 compared with the control group, as measured by LC-MS/MS. The valid ratio of AMH-positive (≯0.08 ng/ml) cattle was significantly higher in the NM herd than in the MYT herd without affecting the P4-positive (≯3 ng/ml) ratio, suggesting different populations of antral follicles. Significant differences were also observed between the MX and the control in aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyltransferase at day 58, suggesting preventive effects of MA supplementation. Our field trial indicated that MA supplementation of a ZEA-contaminated diet has beneficial effects in reducing ZEA absorption from the intestine of cattle, maintaining endocrine homeostasis and reversing hepatic effects.