Mycotoxins in laboratory rodent feed

Abstract

Twenty-one batches of fixed-formula rodent diets from three feed manufacturers were tested for the presence of five mycotoxins: deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), HT-2 toxin, T-2 toxin and ochratoxin A (OTA). Five batches were also tested for the presence of zearalenone (ZEN) and six batches for aflatoxins. Detectable levels of DON (up to 298 mu g/kg), NIV (up to 118 mu g/kg), OTA (up to 3.1 mu g/kg) or ZEN (up to 26.7 mu g/kg) were found in samples from all manufacturers. Three batches contained two (DON or NIV and OTA or ZEN) and one batch contained three (DON, OTA and ZEN) different mycotoxins. Aflatoxins, T-2 and HT-2 were not detected in any of the batches. The concentrations of mycotoxins detected in the feed were low, but indicated that feed ingredients, probably the cereal ingredients, were contaminated by mycotoxins. Since mycotoxins are known to have toxic and/or immunosuppressive effects, non-contaminated ingredients should be used for production of laboratory animal feed. The results imply that an improved quality control of ingredients used for laboratory rodent feed should be implemented.

Keywords

mycotoxin; feed; rodent; contaminant; cereals

Published in

Laboratory Animals
2005, Volume: 39, number: 2, pages: 230-235
Publisher: ROYAL SOC MEDICINE PRESS LTD

UKÄ Subject classification

Clinical Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1258/0023677053739819

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/85308