Effects of feed naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on reproduction status of dairy cows

Abstract

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi from harvesting to storage and distribution of feed. Zearalenone (ZEN) is a Fusarium produced mycotoxin that has a chemical structure similar to estrogen and can produce an estrogenic response in animals [1,2]. The objective of this study was to determine impact on the dairy cow’s reproduction status, when total mixed ration (TMR) is naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins. Selected 60 dairy cows (30 days postpartum and average 3 lactations) and divided into two groups: control (CG) (n=30) and experimental (EG) (n=30). Cows in the CG received the uncontaminated TMR (which included 2 kg of uncontaminated corn). Cows in the EG received the same TMR as the control group, corn component had 2 kg of corn contaminated with mycotoxins. Mycotoxin’s concentration in TMR was ZEN – 500.0 ±79 μg/kg of DM, DON (deoxynivalenol) – 75.0±10.75 μg/kg of DM. The study carried out 12 months. The results showed that 10.1% (p>0.05) higher number of cows in the EG did not have changes ovaries functionality compared with CG. Determined and that in the CG ovaries hypofunction disorders were 15% (p<0.05) more common, but diagnosed cysts in cow’s ovaries were 13.2% (p<0.05) higher in the EG. Also was determined that ovaries functionality disorders treatment in EC was 17% (p<0.05) better than in the CG. Treatment of hypofunctioning ovaries more efficient 5% (p<0.05) in the CG than in the EG. The study demonstrated that the EG had 22% (p<0.05) better reaction in ovaries functionality to applied ovsynch protocol in contrast with the CG. F2α stimulation protocol did not receive any significant reaction between both groups. Pregnancy rate after 1st artificial insemination was 20% better in EG comparing with CG. Time interval between calving and 1st artificial insemination in EG was 10 days shorter than in the CG. To summarize the study, we can conclude that Fusarium mycotoxins in TMR has negative impact to reprod