Evaluation of selected serum biochemical and haematological parameters in gilts exposed per os to 100 ppb of zearalenone.

Zearalenone (ZEN) widely contaminates animal feed of plant origin. The recommended safe concentrations of ZEN in feeds for various animal species are set mainly based on the mycotoxin's hormonal properties (NOEL). Our growing knowledge about biologically active concentrations of ZEN, molecular mechanisms and cells/tissues targeted by ZEN indicates that the harmful effects exerted by this mycotoxin on animals may be far greater than previously believed. This experiment was performed on pre-pubertal gilts divided into a control group (n=9) and an experimental group (ZEN, n=9). The control group received placebo, whereas the experimental group was administered ZEN at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg feed (equivalent to 5 µg/kg BW/day) for 42 days. On days 14, 28 and 42 blood samples were collected from the animals to determine the concentrations of selected zearalenols, serum biochemical and haematological parameters. Conjugated ZEN was found in the blood serum of the experimental gilts. Changes in the analysed biochemical parameters included a transient increase in albumin and cholesterol levels. A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of neutrophilic and acidophilic granulocytes was observed in the white blood cell system. The results indicate that long-term per os exposure of pre-pubertal gilts to low doses of ZEN (below NOEL) has a modulatory effect on liver function and white blood cells.

Changes in the coagulation profile of cattle with left abomasal displacement.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in coagulation profile parameters in cattle with left abomasal displacement (LAD). The study was performed on 20 Holstein-Friesian (H-F) cows divided into two groups: group I--10 cows with diagnosed left abomasal displacement and group II--10 clinically healthy cows. Coagulation tests, including TT (thrombin time), PT (prothrombin time) and APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time), were conducted, and fibrinogen content, D-dimer content, AT III (antithrombin III) activity and platelet (PLT) count were determined in all the animals. Prolonged TT, PT and APTT, a higher fibrinogen and D-dimer content, a drop in AT III activity and thrombocyte count were observed in the cattle with LAD. The above abnormal coagulation profiles were most predominant in three cows which died after surgical repositioning of the abomasum. The results of the study indicate that in cattle with abomasal displacement, the disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome was the most significant risk factor for mortality.