INTRODUCTION

Mycotoxins are highly toxic metabolites secreted by fungi, which can be included in the feed chain and arrive to animals affecting their organic functions, especially the liver function. Alquerfeed Antitox is mycotoxin binder of Biovet S.A. which added in feed reduces the negative effects on the animals and productive parameters increase.

This essay was presented by Dr. Kolapo Aujwon, University of Purdue, at the XXX International Biovet Symposium held from October 27 to 31, 2017 in Cordoba. The essay explores the effect of a pronutrient-based liver protector on growth and health of pigs.

MYCOTOXINS IN PIGS FEED

Mycotoxins are toxins produced by fungi on or in grain or feedstuffs when conditions are favorable for their development. Fungi that produce mycotoxins of economic importance to pork producers are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Claviceps and Fusarium.

Levels above 1 ppm may cause:

• Feed refusal and vomiting
• Depressed feed conversion

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of Alquernat Livol on growth performance and liver function of pigs fed with naturally contaminated corn.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

(10.6 ± 0.2 kg, 5-6 weeks old)

4 weeks

32 pigs per treatment, 4 pigs per pen

2 diets

Control

Control + Alquernat Livol (1kg/ton)

Diet formulation

Methods

• BW at day 0, day 14 and day 28, Feed intake, G:F
• Blood was collected from 2 pigs per pen (day 0, 14 and 28) to determine serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Effect of treatments on body weight

Phase 1: Growth performance

Phase 2: Growth performance

Overall growth performance

Effect of liver protector on serum AST activity on day 14

Effect of liver protector on serum ALT activity on day 14

Effect of liver protector on serum AST activity on day 28

Effect of liver protector on serum ALT activity on day 28

SUMMARY

Numerical improvements in G:F

• Control 606.16
• Livol 618.31-> +2%

Significant improvements in AST on day 14

• Control 64.11
• Livol 45.79-> -28.57%

Numerical improvements in ALT on day 14

• Control 69.35
• Livol 65.47-> -5.61%

Numerical improvements in AST on day 28

• Control 76.14
• Livol 69.94-> -8.14%

Numerical improvements in ALT on day 28

• Control 82.27
• Livol 80.94-> -1.61%