Influence of cardamom essential oils and seeds on growth performance, blood characteristics and immunity of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of cardamom essential oils (CEO) and powdered cardamom seeds (PCS) on the growth performance, plasma biochemistry, haematological characters, immune response and meat acceptability in broilers. In total, 300 day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were allocated to five treatments with six replicates. Dietary treatments included the basal diet as control, CEO-supplemented diets with an inclusion level of 50 (CEO1) or 100 (CEO2) mg/kg, and PCS-supplemented diets with an inclusion level of 3 (PCS1) or 6 (PCS2) g/kg. Feeding PCS1 diet improved (P < 0.05) bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers during the grower period (11–28 days). Moreover, broilers fed the CEO2 diet had the lowest (P < 0.05) FCR during the whole growth period (0–42 days). Higher bursa index (P < 0.05) was detected in chickens receiving CEO1 and CEO2 diets; additionally, higher spleen index (P < 0.05) was recorded in the CEO1 group at 42 days of age. Haematological parameters including red blood cell, white blood cell, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration values were not influenced (P > 0.05) by diet. By contrast, CEO1 and CEO2 diets decreased (P < 0.05) the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations compared with control diet. Plasma cholesterol level was also lower (P < 0.05) in the CEO1 group at 42 days of age. Sensory evaluation of meat samples indicated no differences (P > 0.05) among treatments for appearance, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. Our results suggest that the CEO2 diet was advantageous compared with control diet with respect to feed efficiency. Moreover, CEO1 had a positive effect on the blood cholesterol profile by decreasing the plasma cholesterol and LDL-C levels.

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Effect of environmental regulated water temperature variations on survival, growth performance and haematology of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Our Nature ◽

10.3126/on.v15i1-2.18791 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (1-2) ◽

pp. 26-33

Author(s):

Johnny O. Ogunji ◽

Jude Awoke

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Water Temperature ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Clarias Gariepinus ◽

African Catfish ◽

Good Growth ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

A 56 day study was carried out to evaluate effect of temperature changes on survival, growth performance and haematology of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diet. Ninety (90) Clarias gariepinus fingerlings, (initial mean weight 4.33±0.03g) were subjected to different environmental regulated temperature conditions in three locations (laboratory, outdoor, greenhouse). The observed average temperature was 26.53±0.01°C, 26.06±0.01°C and 31.52±0.00°C for laboratory, outdoor, greenhouse, respectively. Ten fingerlings stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day. It was observed that different water temperatures affected fish growth. All experimental fish in the greenhouse died after 8 days of exposure. This happened around 14.00 hrs when water temperature reached 40°C. There was no significant difference (P<0.5) in final weight, weight gain, food conversion ratio and standard growth rate among the fish reared in the laboratory (26.53°C) and outside tanks (26.06°C), respectively. The initial carcass crude protein (Cp) value was 58.97%. At the end of the experiment fish reared in the laboratory had a crude protein value of 63.97±0.06% Cp and those reared outdoor (26.06°C) had 71.28±0.00% Cp. No significant difference in values of packed cell volume; white blood cell; haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was found between fish reared in laboratory (26.53°C) and outside (26.06°C). However, the red blood cell (RBC); mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume showed significant difference (P>0.05). The result confirms that Clarias gariepinus fingerlings reared at a mean temperature of 26°C (within the recorded optimal temperature range for good growth) performed well. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings are not able to survive when water temperature reaches to 40oC.

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Effects of replacement of maize with cassava stem meal on growth and haematology of african catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) fingerling

Journal of Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.4314/jas.v35i1.6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 47-55

Author(s):

T.N. Ikwor ◽

J.N. Nwakpa ◽

J.S. Awoke ◽

M.U. Agim

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Control Diet ◽

Clarias Gariepinus ◽

Haemoglobin Concentration ◽

Nutrient Utilization ◽

Fish Growth ◽

African Catfish ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Cassava Stem

The study investigated effects of replacing maize meal with cassava stem meal on growth performance and haematology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Cassava stem meal (CSM) was substituted for maize at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to produce five isonitrogenous (45% CP) diets. C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean weight 3.08±0.02g) were randomly distributed into concrete tanks (0.9m3) at 10 fish/tank in triplicates and fed twice daily for 8 weeks. Results showed the highest mean weight gain (1.72±0.01g) and the best food conversion ratio (0.08±0.01) in fish fed diet containing 25% CSM which were significantly different (p<0.05) from other treatments. Fish fed 100% CSM recorded the highest value for protein efficiency ratio which differed significantly (p<0.05) from other treatments. The highest survival rate of (73.3±0.01%) was recorded in fish fed 50% and 100% cassava stem meal inclusion levels while the lowest (33.4±0.01%) was observed in the control diet. The haematological results showed that packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) were significantly different (p<0.05) among treatments. There was an increase in the counts of PCV, white blood cell, Hb, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration remained constant in all the treatments. The study revealed that 25% substitution rate of maize with cassava stem meal would not have any adverse effect on the growth and blood parameters of catfish. Key words: Cassava stems meal, fish growth, nutrient utilization, haematology, C. gariepinus

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Vitamin D and Blood Parameters

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11071017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1017

Author(s):

Thomas Müller ◽

Lutz Lohse ◽

Andreas Blodau ◽

Katja Frommholz

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Mean Corpuscular Volume ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽

Corpuscular Volume ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

The Impact

Background: Vitamin D has a steroid- and an anabolic-resembling chemical structure. Vitamin D is essential for many processes in the human body after hydroxylation. Aims of the Study: To investigate the impact of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D plasma concentrations on the blood parameters number of erythrocytes, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume. Methods: Serial assessments were done in 290 patients with multiple sclerosis and repeated after a mean interval of 245 days. A recommendation for vitamin D supplementation was given in case of a concentration lower than 20 ng/mL combined with a prescription of a formulation containing vitamin D but not vitamin K. Results: There was a fall of vitamin D in 119 subjects and a rise in 164, while no change appeared in 7 participants. When vitamin D values went down between both assessments moments, the computed increase of mean corpuscular haemoglobin was significantly lower compared with the rise of mean corpuscular haemoglobin associated with a vitamin D elevation. When vitamin D declined, the computed fall of mean corpuscular volume fall was significantly lower compared with the decrease of mean corpuscular volume, when vitamin D rose. Positive correlations were found between differences of vitamin D and mean corpuscular haemoglobin, respectively mean corpuscular volume. Inverse relations appeared between disparities of vitamin D and erythrocytes, respectively haematocrit. Conclusions: The elevation of vitamin D plasma levels provides enhanced preconditions for a better tissue oxygenation on a cellular level.

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Blood Profile and Selected Organ Histopathology of Balami Sheep Fed Shea Cake (Vitellaria paradoxa) Meal

Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology ◽

10.9734/jabb/2021/v24i730232 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 46-56

Author(s):

D. O. Okunlola ◽

M. D. Shittu ◽

O. O. Olatunji ◽

A. J. Amuda ◽

B. O. Olateju ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Control Diet ◽

Average Weight ◽

Blood Profile ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Randomized Experimental Design ◽

Inclusion Level ◽

Males And Females ◽

Dietary Treatments ◽

Representative Samples

The blood profile and histology of selected tissues (kidney, lungs, intestine, and epididymis) of Balami Sheep fed Shea Cake meal supplement was investigated. A total of thirty-two (32) sheep of the average weight range of 11.75-14.75kg comprising an equal number (16) of males and females were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized experimental design with eight sheep per treatment for twelve weeks duration. Treatment 1 (T1) was a control diet and had zero inclusion level of Shea cake meal (SCM), while treatments 2,3, and 4 had 10%,15%, and 20% inclusion of SCM, respectively. At the twelfth week of the experiment, two blood samples of 5ml each were taken from each animal from the jugular vein. The first set was preserved in Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA) bottle for haematological parameters, while the second samples were preserved without EDTA for serum examination. Representative samples of tissues were randomly selected and slaughtered for gross microscopic examination. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) at various levels of inclusion for parameters investigated. The white blood cell (WBC), Red blood cell (RBC), and Packed cell volume (PCV) recorded the highest values at T3 (15% inclusion level) (13.42 x109/L), 2.92x1012/L, 3.75%, respectively). The serum parameters were significantly(p <0.05)different among the treatments. Total protein ranges from 54.78(mg/dl) (T1) - 60.51(mg/dl) (T2), Cholesterol70.15(mg/dl) (T1) - 78.00(mg/dl) (T4). Iron ranges from 58.15(ug/dl) (T1) - 62.88(ug/dl) (T3).The histopathology of tissues (kidney, lungs, intestine, and epididymis) showed no alteration across the treatments (P= .05) in the gross microscopic examinations. No lesion was observed in the lungs, kidney, epididymis, and intestine. The results showed that shea cake meal posed no health risk to Balami sheep and as such recommended as a good supplement in the diets of the sheep.

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Blood Count and Serum Biochemistry Profile in West African Dwarf Goats Fed Ensiled Mixtures of Cocoa Pod, Cassava Pulp and Acacia Leaf

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1073860/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

OLuwatosin Christie Raimi ◽

Abiodun Adefunmilayo Adeloye

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Serum Biochemistry ◽

West African ◽

Blood Profile ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

West African Dwarf ◽

West African Dwarf Goats ◽

Cassava Pulp ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Dwarf Goats

Abstract This study investigated the effects of feeding ensiled graded combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp and Acacia leaf on haematological and serum biochemical of West African Dwarf goats. In the bid to control environmental pollution, the wastes of cocoa and cassava were applied as alternative feed ingredients for the goat in spite of its low nutrients’ quality and digestibility. A total of Twenty-eight (28) WAD goats (bucks), aged 4 to 5 months with average body weight of 7.00±0.2kg was used in a completely randomized design for a 45 days study to evaluate the blood profiles of goats fed diet combinations (0:60:40) to (60:0:40). The results revealed significant differences in some of the blood parameters measured among the treatments. The red blood cell, packed cell volume and haemoglobin ranged from 4.90-7.87x106/ul, 19.25-26.83% and 7.33-11.15g/L respectively. The concentrations of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration varied significantly (p < 0.05), white blood cell (5.57-9.75x109L) were comparable and lymphocytes (%) ranged from 43.85-55.67. For serum biochemistry, values obtained for total protein and albumin with sodium followed the same trend while cholesterol, urea, creatinine and glucose followed the same trend. Alanine amino transferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment groups. Since the parameters measured were within the normal range for goats’ blood profile, combinations of cocoa pod, cassava pulp with acacia leaves in the ratio of 0:60:40 to 20:40:40 as browse plants do not have any deleterious effect on the health of the animals.

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Effects of Thyroid Function on Blood Cell Counts and Red Cell Indices – A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in Mandya, Karnataka

Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare ◽

10.18410/jebmh/2021/451 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (27) ◽

pp. 2434-2438

Author(s):

Siddegowda M.S ◽

Chaithra R ◽

Shivakumar S ◽

Maithri C.M

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Blood Cells ◽

Thyroid Dysfunction ◽

Haematological Parameters ◽

Red Cell ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Red Cell Indices ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Rbc Count

BACKGROUND Thyroid hormones play an important role in the regulation and production of red blood cells. Thyroid dysfunction induces different effects on blood cells such as anaemia, erythrocytosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia and alteration in red cell indices. In this study, we wanted to compare the changes in haematological parameters of thyroid dysfunction patients with those of euthyroid group. METHODS This was a retrospective study done on 310 individuals by collecting data from the medical records. Later the patients were categorized into hypothyroid (33) thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH > 5.5 μIU/mL), hyperthyroid (19) (TSH < 0.3 μIU/mL) and euthyroid (258) (TSH = 0.3 - 5.5 μIU/ml) groups. The haematological parameters of all these patients were obtained by 5-part automated cell count analyser. Finally, the obtained data was analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS The data obtained from the analysis revealed statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference between hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and euthyroidism in mean red blood cell (RBC) count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW), white blood cell (WBC) count and platelet count but the difference was not significant for mean haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P > 0.05). The mean haemoglobin was lower in hypothyroid patients when compared to euthyroid and hyperthyroid patients. The RBC count (P < 0.007), MCH (P = 0.002) and RDW (P < 0.001) showed statistically significant difference between hypothyroidism and euthyroidism, MCV (P = 0.005) showed statistically significant difference between hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups. CONCLUSIONS In case of patients with abnormal haematological parameters, thyroid hormones evaluation is necessary. KEYWORDS Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Haemoglobin, Blood Count, Red Cell Indices

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Haematological Profiles of Pigs on Different Farms Reflect Their Health Status

10.21203/rs.3.rs-644732/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Irena Golinar Oven ◽

Alenka Nemec Svete ◽

Melita Hajdinjak ◽

Jan Plut ◽

Marina Stukelj

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Blood Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

White Blood Cell ◽

Haemoglobin Concentration ◽

Haematological Parameters ◽

Blood Cell Count ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin

Abstract BackgroundHaematological examination is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of pig health status. The present study aimed to assess haematological parameters in pigs of different age categories from six farrow-to-finish farms differing in herd health status. The following pig categories were included: 5 age groups of growers (5, 7, 9–10, 11 and 12–13 weeks-old), fatteners and breeding pregnant sows. Individual blood samples for determining complete blood count and white blood cell differential count were taken and group samples of oral fluid and faeces were collected from each animal category in each of the six farms and tested for the detection of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Virus (PRRSV), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) using PCR, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR protocols. Individual blood samples were analysed using an automated laser-based haematology analyser. The following haematological parameters were reported: white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet count (PLT), and percentage and number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and "large unstained cells" - LUCs. ResultsOn farms free of PRRSV, PCV2 and HEV, age had significant effect on the following parameters: WBC, Hb, MCH, MCHC, PLT, percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils and absolute numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and LUCs. On farms with PRRS, PCV2 and/or HEV, age significantly affected all observed blood parameters except the percentage of LUCs. The percentages of lymphocytes, MCV and Hct were significantly lower by PRRSV while WBC, PLT, percentage and absolute number of neutrophils, basophils and LUCs increased. Significantly lower percentages of lymphocytes and increased percentages and absolute numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils were caused by PCV2 presence. Significantly lower percentage of lymphocytes and MCV and increased RBC, Hb, percentage and number of basophils and percentage of neutrophils were caused by HEV. Conclusions Alterations of haematological parameters reflected the health status of pigs of different categories on infected and on non-infected farms. Age-related changes in haematological parameters occurred in clinically healthy and in infected pigs.

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Ecotoxicological assessment of commercial glyphosate-based di-ammonium salt formulation on haematological indices of Clarias gariepinus

Journal of Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.4314/jas.v36i1.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

pp. 13-21

Author(s):

A.B. Ella ◽

E.T. Azua ◽

C.U. Aguoru ◽

A.A. Onekutu ◽

F.A. Ella

Keyword(s):

Blood Cell ◽

Clarias Gariepinus ◽

Haemoglobin Concentration ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Ecotoxicological Assessment ◽

Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Haematological Profile ◽

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin ◽

Total Dissolved Solid

The study evaluated sub-lethal toxicity of commercial glyphosate-based Di-ammonium formulation commonly known as ‘Touchdown’ on haematological profile of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. A total of two hundred catfish juveniles of mean weight 31.07±1.23g and mean length 19.50 ± 0.50cm were exposed to different concentrations of Di-ammonium formulation (1.26, 2.52, 5.03 and 0.00 mg/l) for eight (8) weeks. Each concentration was treated in triplicate using a static bioassay system. Physico-chemical parameters of the test water were monitored throughout the study period. Results showed that haematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Platelets (PLT) counts decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increase in concentrations of Touchdown. Whereas, white blood cell (WBC) counts increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the glyphosate-based formulation. Water temperature, pH, Total dissolved solid (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) increased linearly with increasing concentration, while dissolved oxygen content decreased significantly (p<0.05). The results from this study indicated that Di-ammonium glyphosate–based formulation had negative consequences on the blood of treated fish. In view of this, the application of Di-ammonium glyphosate-based formulation should be done in a sustainable manner with proper regulations.

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Reduction of cat voluntary feed intake in the short-term response to the sugar cane fibre supplementation

Journal of Applied Animal Nutrition ◽

10.3920/jaan2020.0012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 115-125

Author(s):

J. Rogues ◽

E. Mehinagic ◽

D. Lethuillier ◽

E. Bouvret ◽

M. Hervera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Feed Intake ◽

Sugar Cane ◽

Dietary Fibre ◽

Control Diet ◽

Voluntary Feed Intake ◽

Inclusion Level ◽

The Impact ◽

Weight Management Programs ◽

Different Levels ◽

Term Response

Obesity is a well-known syndrome of excessive body fat in cats (Felis catus) that affects the health, welfare and lifespan of animals. Consequently, different diet strategies aiming to reduce voluntary feed intake in cats have been studied. One of these consists in reducing energy intake based on reduction of feed intake. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that dietary fibre inclusion in food reduced efficiently voluntary feed intake (VFI) in dogs. However, little clinical data is available regarding the impact of dietary fibre inclusion on cat’s feeding behaviours and VFI. The aim of the current study was to test the performance of sugar cane fibre included at three different levels in extruded feline diets. The main purpose was to measure the impact of fibre inclusion on the cats’ VFI, while maintaining palatability. Four feline diets were formulated with different inclusion levels of sugar cane fibre expressed on an as fed basis (0% sugar cane fibre (control), 3.7% of sugar cane fibre (SF3.7), 5.5% of sugar cane fibre (SF5.5) and 7.3% sugar cane fibre (SF7.3)). The VFI and palatability were evaluated in two different methods: a new method using 79 cats, called ‘consumption kinetics’ based on the dynamic measure of cat’s daily consumptions in ad libitum conditions providing information about cat’s feeding pattern, and the standard palatability two-bowl (versus) test using more than 30 cats. All foods had identical palatability performance, regardless of sugar cane fibre inclusion level, while the VFI of products containing 5.5% and 7.3% sugar cane fibre decreased significantly compared to the control diet. The level of supplementation of sugar cane fibre was efficient to reduce felines VFI without impairing food palatability level, and may be a useful ingredient to add to feline diets to improve the success of the weight management programs.

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165 Impact of mycotoxin contamination of feed on growth performance and blood metabolites of growing pigs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.168 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 93-93

Author(s):

Jesus A Acosta ◽

Gwendolyn M Jones ◽

John F Patience

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Control Diet ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Growing Pigs ◽

Blood Metabolites ◽

Mycotoxin Contamination ◽

The Impact

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of deoxynivalenol (DON), derived from contaminated corn, on growth performance and blood metabolites. A total of 32 growing pigs (initial BW 73.1 ± 1.2 kg; L337 × Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were randomly allotted in individual pens to 1 of 2 treatments: a non-contaminated control diet (CTL) and a diet containing 1.8 mg DON/kg (CTL+DON). Upon analysis, CTL+DON also contained 1.9 mg zearalenone/kg and 1.0 mg total fumonisins/kg. On d 1, blood samples were obtained at 60, 120 and 240 min following resumed access to feed. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed thereafter and for 28 d in total. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with initial BW, sex and treatment as fixed effects, and blood parameters the repeated measures. Compared with CTL, pigs fed CTL+DON had decreased final BW (102.9 vs 87.5 kg; P < 0.001), ADG (1.06 vs 0.51 kg; P < 0.001) and ADFI (2.97 vs 1.54 kg; P < 0.001). Mycotoxins did not affect G:F (0.35 vs 0.32; P = 0.234 for CTL and CTL+DON, respectively). Compared to CTL, pigs fed CTL+DON had increased levels of blood cholecystokinin, a hormone involved in satiety and digestion (32.1 vs 43.3 pg/mL; P = 0.048), increased ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite and promotes fat deposition (345 vs 654 pg/mL; P = 0.011), a tendency for decreased blood urea nitrogen (19.6 vs 17.1 mg/dL; P = 0.076), and increased creatine kinase (2,826 vs 4,920 IU/L; P = 0.027). No treatment differences were observed for circulating creatinine, glucose, albumin, or alkaline phosphatase. In conclusion, mycotoxin contamination substantially impaired feed intake and growth. Pigs offered mycotoxin-contaminated feed had altered blood parameters related to appetite regulation and nutrient metabolism. However, it was not possible to determine if these differences were due to the mycotoxin contamination or to reduced feed intake.

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