Influence of Dietary Fiber, Protein and Zeolite on Zearalenone Toxicosis in Rats and Swine

The effect of selected nutrients on the toxicity of zearalenone (Z), a uterotropic mycotoxin, was investigated in female weanling rats and Yorkshire gilts. Feeding crystalline Z to rats (0, 50, 100, 250 or 500 µ/g feed) caused enlargement of uteri, livers and kidneys at the highest two levels. When 25% alfalfa or 25% oats were fed, improvements were seen in feed efficiencies, feed consumption and body weights for rats fed 250 µg Z/g feed compared to those fed these diets without Z. This effect was not seen when the diet contained 25% wheat bran or 25% cellulose. Increasing dietary protein levels also promoted growth parameters of rats challenged by Z. To test the additivity of the protein and fiber effects, rats were fed two levels of alfalfa and four levels of casein. Combinations of protein and fiber were only partially as efficient in alleviating Z toxicosis as these ingredients fed alone. Synthetic anion exchange zeolite was completely effective in protecting against Z in rats when fed at 5% of the diet. Protein and fiber sources had less of an effect in growing gilts fed 50 µg Z/g feed than was seen for rats. It was concluded that dietary treatment may be useful in minimizing the effects of Z toxicosis in livestock.