Note 15-30
Lelystad, December 23rd 2015
In the second study, FBs (FB1+FB2) were used at concentrations below the maximum guidance level
of 20 ppm for poultry: 18.6 ppm. As for DON, the authors considered these levels sufficient to act as a
predisposing factor for NE development. Once more, their hypothesis was correct. Although there was
no direct correlation between Fusarium mycotoxin and pathogenic C. perfringens growth in vitro, the
ileal concentration of this bacterium was increased in broilers that were exposed to diets contaminated
with FBs. Furthermore, the presence of this myxocotin in feed negatively affected intestinal morphology
and, subsequently, the absorption of nutrients.
In conclusion, the negative effects of Fusarium mycotoxins can be extended to their role on the
proliferation of pathogenic C. perfringens, thus contributing to an increased risk of NE in broilers. This
is caused by a group of indirect factors, such as decrease in the intestinal absorption of nutrients,
intestinal leakage, and changes in the gut microbiota. The fact that feed can be contaminated with diverse
types of mycotoxins playing a role in the gut health, makes this scenario even more complex, demanding
measures to achieve a greater protection of the gastrointestinal tract, and also an awareness of the
consequences of mycotoxin contaminations in poultry feed.
Literature:
Antonissen G, Croubels S, Pasmans F, et al. 2015. Fumonisin affect the intestinal microbial homeostasis
in broiler chickens, predisposing to necrotic enteritis. Vet Res 46:98.
Antonissen G, Van Immerseel F, Pasmans F, et al. 2014. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol predisposes
for the development of Clostridium perfrigens-induced necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens. PLOS
One 9:e108775.
Kind regards,
Schothorst Feed Research B.V.
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