Short-term exposure to the mycotoxins zearalenone or fumonisins affects rumen fermentation and microbiota, and health variables in cattle

• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112900
• Publication Date: 2022-03-02T07:10:29Z
• Authors: Thomas Hartinger; Lena Grabher; Cátia Pacífico; Barbara Angelmayr; Johannes Faas; Qendrim Zebeli
• Keywords: Lachnospiraceae

Zearalenone (ZEN) and fumonisins (FUM) jeopardize fertility health in cattle; yet, their toxigenic effects on rumen microbiota, both being crucial for animal health, are not clarified. This study determined the of a short-term exposure to ZEN or FUM ecosystem, further evaluated acute implications parameters. Six cows were fed basal diet with 40% grain (dry matter basis) exposed either 5 mg 20 daily two consecutive days each, separated by 7-days washout period. The led reduction Lachnospiraceae Prevotellaceae rumen. Similarly, lowered ruminal pH total short-chain fatty acid concentration, despite increased rumination activity cows. Fumonisins number observed features significantly impacted β-diversity structure metagenome predicted function. At systemic level, suggested an immediate hepatotoxic effect, as evidenced liver enzyme concentrations, which accompanied altered heart respiratory rates. body temperature up mild fever. Concluding, can harm ecosystem acutely impair health.