Zinc and Iron Concentration and SOD Activity in Human Semen and Seminal Plasma

The aim of the present study was to measure zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in human semen and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in seminal plasma and correlate the results with sperm quality. Semen samples were obtained from men (N = 168) undergoing routine infertility evaluation. The study design included two groups based on the ejaculate parameters. Group I (n = 39) consisted of males with normal ejaculate (normozoospermia), and group II (n = 129) consisted of males with pathological spermiogram. Seminal Zn and Fe were measured in 162 samples (group I, n = 38; group II, n = 124) and SOD activity in 149 samples (group I, n = 37; group II, n = 112). Correlations were found between SOD activity and Fe and Zn concentration, and between Fe and Zn concentration. SOD activity was negatively associated with volume of semen and positively associated with rapid progressive motility, nonprogressive motility, and concentration. Negative correlation was stated between Fe concentration and normal morphology. Mean SOD activity in seminal plasma of semen from men of group I was higher than in seminal plasma of semen from men of group II. Fe concentration was higher in teratozoospermic males than in males with normal morphology of spermatozoa in group II. Our results suggest that Fe may influence spermatozoa morphology.     

Responses of red deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cervus elaphus)</Emphasis> to regular disturbance by hill walkers

Disturbance to wildlife from human recreational activities is increasing as remote areas become accessible to greater numbers of people. We used Global Positioning System tracking collars to monitor the movements of red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags (n = 8) in a herd whose feeding grounds lie close to a popular walking track in the Highlands of Scotland. The track is used by around 20,000 walkers per year and is busiest in summer and at weekends. In a 2-year study, the locations of collared deer were recorded at 2-h intervals on typically busy days (Sundays: mean number of walkers = 204) and quiet days (Wednesdays: mean number of walkers = 49) during May and June. The deer were consistently further from the track on Sundays than Wednesdays (371 vs 286 m) and moved greater distances between fixes (365 vs 308 m). The amount of time spent (percentage of total fixes) in the small area of grassland closest to the track was lower on Sundays than Wednesdays (6% vs 13%). Although 97% of walkers use the track during the day (between 0800 and 2000 h), there was no evidence of compensatory use of grassland at night, when the deer moved to higher ground dominated by heather moorland. The results demonstrate that animals which appear to be habituated to regular disturbance within their home territory may nevertheless alter their behaviour and potentially diet composition, as a result of that disturbance.     

Adaptive capability as indicated by endocrine and biochemical responses of Malpura ewes subjected to combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) in a semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the effect of combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on endocrine and biochemical responses in Malpura ewes. Twenty eight adult Malpura ewes (average body weight 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into four groups viz., GI (n = 7; control), GII (n = 7; thermal stress), GIII (n = 7; nutritional stress) and GIV (n = 7; combined stress). The animals were stall fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40°C and 55% RH for 6 h a day between 1000 hours and 1600 hours to induce thermal stress. The study was conducted for a period of two estrus cycles. The parameters studied were Hb, PCV, glucose, total protein, total cholesterol, ACP, ALP, cortisol, T₄, T₃, and insulin. Combined stress significantly (P < 0.05) affected all parameters studied. Furthermore, the results revealed that, compared to thermal stress, nutritional stress had a less significant effect on the parameters studied. However, when both these stresses were coupled, they had a severe impact on all the parameters studied in these ewes. It can be concluded from this study that two stressors occurring simultaneously may impact severely on the biological functions necessary to maintain homeostasis in sheep.     

Ranging behaviour and socio-biology of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) on lowland mesotrophic river systems

We examined the spatial structure and socio-biology of a native wild population of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) on mesotrophic rivers in a mild temperate climate. Radio-tracking of 20 individuals revealed exclusive intra-sexual adult home-ranges. Adult female home-ranges (7.5 km, SD = 1.5 km, n = 7) were inversely related to river width (, F ₆ = 13.5, P = 0.014) and so appeared to be based on food resources. The aquatic area within adult male home-ranges (30.2 ha, SD = 9.5 ha, n = 5) was greater than that within adult female’s (16.8 ha, SD = 7.0 ha) (t ₁₀ = 2.437, P = 0.035), though this result is inconclusive because some males were tracked on oligotrophic rivers. One adult male expanded its range from 10.2 km to 19.3 km within 5 days of the death of the neighbouring male, suggesting that male home-ranges were heavily influenced by conspecifics.     

Hemoglobin Regeneration Efficiency in Anemic Rats: Effects on Bone Mineral Composition and Biomechanical Properties

This study reports the effects of dietary iron (Fe) deficiency and recovery on bone mineral composition and strength in anemic rats submitted to a hemoglobin (Hb) repletion assay. Weanling male Wistar rats were fed a low-Fe diet (12 mg/kg) for 15 days followed by 2 weeks of Fe repletion with diets providing 35 mg Fe/kg as either ferrous sulfate (n = 8) or ferric pyrophosphate (FP; n = 12). At final day of each period (depletion and repletion), Fe-adequate animals were also euthanized. Iron status (blood Hb, Hb Fe pool, Hb regeneration efficiency), tibia mineral concentrations (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and biomechanical properties were evaluated. Iron-deficient rats had lower tibia Fe and Mg levels and bone strength when compared to controls. Yield load and resilience were positively related to tibia Mg levels (r = 0.47, P = 0.02 and r = 0.56, P = 0.004, respectively). Iron repletion did not recover tibia Mg concentrations impaired by Fe deficiency. Moreover, bone elastic properties were negatively affected by FP consumption. In conclusion, bone mineral composition and strength were affected by Fe deficiency, whereas dietary Fe source influenced tibia Mg and resistance in the period during which rats were recovering from anemia.     

Using cross-dating techniques to validate ages of aurora rockfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastes aurora</Emphasis>): estimates of age,growth and female maturity

Since fishery management regulations have shifted much of the groundfish trawl effort in the northeastern Pacific from the continental shelf to the slope, fishery impacts on unassessed demersal slope rockfish species like the aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora) may have increased. Understanding the life history of these species is a critical first step in developing management strategies to protect them from overharvest. In this study we employ cross-dating methods to validate the annual periodicity of growth increments and investigate the age, growth and maturity of aurora rockfish, a species for which life history information is quite limited. Specimens were collected on an opportunistic basis from Oregon commercial landings and from research cruises, over the years 2003–2006. Age was estimated for 438 individuals using otoliths processed via the break-and-burn method. The maximum estimated age was 118 years for females (n = 324) and 81 years for males (n = 114). The von Bertalanffy growth function showed that males grow faster and reach a smaller maximum size than females (males: L _inf = 34, K = 0.09, t ₀ = −1.9; females: L _inf = 37, K = 0.06, t ₀ = −5.5), though both sexes demonstrate relatively slow growth. Visual assessment of ovaries showed that the aurora rockfish is a synchronous spawner with parturition occurring in May and June off Oregon. Female age and length at 50% maturity were calculated at 12.6 years and 26 cm, respectively (n = 307). Maturity and age data provided evidence for a protracted adolescence in this species.     

Gold in Human Semen Around and Away From a Gold Deposit Area

The study included evaluation of semen from normal, healthy adults and estimation of gold in seminal plasma from two regions Nilambur valley (Malappuram District, Kerala Province, India; n = 11), where gold deposit is present and Kollam town (Kerala Province, India; n = 13) where gold is not present in soil. All samples showed normal spermiogram. Gold was estimated in seminal plasma by employing inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometry. It varied from 0.23–1.15 ppm with mean 0.68 ppm in study area while in control area it was 0.13–0.71 ppm with a mean of 0.41 ppm. Statistical studies (independent ‘t’ test) showed significantly high level (p < 0.05) of gold in seminal plasma from study area. ANOVA test proved that gold in seminal plasma is a significant (p < 0.05) factor for total spermatozoa count and its percentage of motility.     

Aflatoxins levels in vegetable oils in Khartoum State,Sudan

Vegetable oil (n = 81) for human consumption from Khartoum State in Sudan were analyzed for aflatoxins (AFs), using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection following extraction with methanol:water (80:20) and clean-up using petroleum ether. Sampling included sesame oil (n = 14), peanut oil (n = 21), and sunflower oil (n = 19) purchased from retail shops, and mixed oil produced by two local manufacturers (factory A, n = 15; factory B, n = 12). AF contamination was found in 80/81 (98.8%) samples, with total AF levels ( AFB₁ + AFB₂ + AFG₁ + AFG₂ ) \left( {{\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{B}}_{\rm{1}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{B}}_{\rm{2}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{G}}_{\rm{1}}} + {\hbox{AF}}{{\hbox{G}}_{\rm{2}}}} \right) of 0.43–339.9 μg/kg and mean level of 57.5 μg/kg. All sesame oils had total AF levels that were much higher than the United States Food and Drug Administration acceptable limit of 20 μg/kg. The percentage of samples with total AF values <20 μg/kg in other oils varied and was 57.14% in peanut oil, 36.8% in sunflower oil, 66.7% (mixed oil from factory A), and 91.7% (mixed oil from factory B). In conclusion, the levels of total AFs in edible oil as available in Khartoum State are quite alarming. To reduce the health hazards for the consumers, an intervention strategy to manage AFs in food commodities from Sudan is urgently required.     

Plasma gossypol dynamics in white-tailed deer: Implications for whole cottonseed as a supplemental feed

Whole cottonseed (WCS) is a potential supplemental feed for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in rangeland conditions because of its high digestible energy and protein content, moderate fiber content, and resistance to degradation in moist conditions. WCS also contains the polyphenolic secondary metabolite gossypol, which reduces palatability to non-target monogastric species but may be of concern for deer nutrition. Plasma gossypol stabilization when fed a constant dry matter intake, plasma gossypol depletion after WCS was removed from the diet, and the relationship between WCS consumption and plasma gossypol concentration was studied in 10 mature male (N = 5) and female (N = 5) captive white-tailed deer. Consumption of WCS by 73 free-ranging white-tailed deer (59 males, 14 females) was estimated using results of the captive study. Plasma gossypol concentrations declined exponentially and averaged 0.74 μg/mL 35 days after WCS was removed from the diet. Plasma gossypol concentration was linearly related to WCS consumption (P < 0.001), with females having 0.35 μg/mL greater (P = 0.04) plasma gossypol than males for a given rate of dry matter consumption. All female and 93% of male white-tailed deer captured in WCS supplemented pastures had detectable plasma gossypol. Female averaged 1.88 μg/mL of plasma gossypol and males averaged 4.84 μg/mL of plasma gossypol. Based on the captive deer data, these plasma values suggest an average WCS consumption of ∼2.6 g/kg BW/day for female free-ranging deer and ∼5.6 g/kg BW/day for male free-ranging deer. Inferentially, a large proportion of free-ranging white-tailed deer in rangeland conditions will consume WCS, with females consuming 125 g WCS/day and males consuming 428 g WCS/day. That plasma gossypol levels decrease rapidly after cottonseed is removed from the diet suggests that the long withdrawal periods often used prior to breeding season may not be needed. However, although 93% of gossypol was eliminated from the animals after a five-week withdrawal period, a small amount of gossypol can still be detected. While our preliminary data on these animals suggests that these levels are not detriment to animal health or reproduction, ranch managers may want to take a conservative approach to the feeding of WCS until these questions are answered.     

Selenium concentration in liver and kidney of free living animals (roe and red deer) from West Pomerania (Poland)

The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of selenium in the liver and kidneys of roe deer and red deer from West Pomerania, depending on the season. Altogether, samples from 169 animals were collected (96 from roe deer and 73 from red deer) in 2003–2007. The mean concentration of selenium in the liver of red deer and roe deer was 0.37 μg/g and 0.62 μg/g dry weight, respectively. In kidneys, Se concentration was 2.72 μg/g d.w. in red deer and 2.99 μg/g d.w. in roe deer. In roe deer, liver selenium concentration in autumn was significantly higher than in winter (P < 0.05) and spring (P < 0.01) and significantly lower in spring than in summer (P < 0.05); likewise, kidney selenium concentration was higher in autumn than in summer. In deer, no statistically significant season-related differences were observed for liver selenium concentrations. In red deer kidneys, selenium concentration was the lowest in summer, significantly lower than in autumn and winter. Low selenium concentrations in the analyzed tissues show that the animals live in areas deficient in this element.     

Magnesium Sulfate in Emergency Department Patients with Hypertension

To compare the effect of IV magnesium with other antihypertensives in emergency department (ED) patients with hypertension. ED patients with a systolic BP > 135 mmHg or diastolic BP > 85 were approached for entry into the study. Those granting consent were randomly placed into one of three treatment groups: (1) 1.5 gm IV MgSO₄ (n = 42), (2) a parenteral or oral antihypertensive agent (n = 41), (3) both IV MgSO₄ and an antihypertensive agent (n = 44). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured at entry into the study and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after magnesium or other antihypertensive medications were given. The main outcome measure was blood pressure at 60 min, and results were compared using one-way analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey HSD test. Compared to systolic and diastolic blood pressures at time 0, both were lower at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min in all groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference in systolic or diastolic BP at any time point was observed when response to treatment was compared between the three groups. Intravenous MgSO₄ is as effective as antihypertensives at lowering BP in emergency department patients.     

Influence of husbandry systems on physiological stress reactions of captive brown brocket (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mazama gouazoubira</Emphasis>) and marsh deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Blastocerus dichotomus</Emphasis>)—noninvasive analysis of fecal cortisol metabolites

This longitudinal study addresses the relationship of different husbandry systems to fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) concentrations in captive brown brocket deer and marsh deer in order to ascertain a less stressful captive condition for these species. Thus, three pairs from both species were submitted to three different husbandry systems (10 days per system), and fecal samples were collected in the last 5 days of each management. A cortisol enzyme immunoassay was validated and used to measure FCM. The physiological significance of these measurements was verified in brown brocket deer by an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge test, which induced a fourfold (above baseline) increase of FCM within 24 to 28 h. In marsh deer, wild-capture individuals (2,802 ± 115 ng/g) had significantly higher concentrations (P < 0.05) than captive-born ones (122 ± 32 ng/g). Higher values of FCM (P < 0.05) were measured in brown brocket deer kept as pairs in outdoor exhibits all day (150 ± 15 ng/g) compared to animals kept integrally in individual stalls (71 ± 7 ng/g) or in outdoor exhibits during daytime and individual stalls during nighttime (78 ± 4 ng/g). In contrast, no differences in FCM were found in marsh deer submitted to any husbandry system (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that brown brocket deer may benefit from husbandry systems, which keep animals at least for one period in individual stalls, while marsh deer apparently exhibit a high individual variability to different husbandry conditions with no generic pattern to its better maintenance in captivity.     

Theoretical study on the structural,vibrational, and thermodynamic properties of the (Br<Subscript>2</Subscript>GaN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–4) clusters

The molecular geometries, vibrational properties, and thermodynamic properties of the clusters (Br₂GaN₃) _n (n = 1–4) were studied at the B3LYP/6-311+G* level. The optimized clusters (Br₂GaN₃) _n (n = 2–4) were all found to possess a cyclic structure consisting of Ga atoms bridged by the α-nitrogen of the azide groups. A discussion of the relationships between the geometrical parameters and the degree of oligomerization n is provided. Features in the IR spectra were assigned by vibrational analysis. Trends in thermodynamic properties with temperature and degree of oligomerization n are discussed. Thermodynamic analysis of the gas-phase reaction showed that the formation of the clusters (Br₂GaN₃) _n (n = 2–4) is thermodynamically favorable considering the enthalpies at 298.2 K. The calculated results for the Gibbs free energies were negative, which indicates that the oligomerizations can occur spontaneously at 298.2 K.     

Ecological Characterisation of the Colonic Microbiota in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Seals

Dominant colonic bacteria in wild hooded (n = 9), harbour (n = 1) and grey (n = 1) seals were identified using 16S rRNA gene clone libraries (313 clones), revealing 52.7% Bacteroidetes, 41.5% Firmicutes, 4.5% Proteobacteria and 1.0% Fusobacteria. Thirty (77%) of the 39 phylotypes identified were novel, showing <97% sequence similarity to their nearest cultivated relatives. Mean colonic bacterial cell density, determined by real-time PCR, was high (12.8 log₁₀ cells/g wet wt) for the hooded seals, while the number of methanogenic Archea was low (4.0 log₁₀ cells/g wet wt). The level of ampicillin (amp^r) and tetracycline-resistant (tet^r) isolates was investigated by cultivation. Aerobic amp^r isolates were only detected in colon contents from four hooded seals, whereas aerobic tet^r isolates were found in seven of the nine hooded seals. These data provide novel insight to the gut microbiota of Arctic and sub-Arctic seals living in the wild.     

Effects of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of drive-net captured Iberian ibexes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra pyrenaica</Emphasis>)

The physical capture of wild ungulates is performed for different purposes when anesthesia in field conditions is not possible or advisable. The use of tranquilizers may contribute to improved welfare of captured animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) through the evaluation of physiological, hematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Thirty-five Iberian ibexes were drive-net captured and randomly injected with azaperone (0.52 ± 0.07 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM); n = 10), haloperidol (0.17 ± 0.04 mg/kg IM; n = 10), or saline (0.5 mL IM; n = 15) and physically restrained for 3 h. The variability of heart rate was lower in the azaperone-treated ibexes, suggesting a calming effect, and erythrocyte and biochemical parameters indicated vasodilation, splenic sequestration, hemodilution, improvement of renal perfusion, and a protective effect on muscle as a result of smooth muscle relaxation induced by azaperone. Haloperidol showed poorer results, maybe due to insufficient dosage. These results support the suitability of using azaperone in capture operations of Iberian ibex in order to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.     

Zinc in Postmortem Body Tissues and Fluids

Data on zinc concentration in the human body may be used to interpret the results obtained in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds, i.e., in clinical and forensic toxicology. In this paper, the concentrations of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases concerning non-poisoned people (n = 203), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1995 and 2008, are presented. The following values were found by the flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in microgram per gram or microgram per milliliter): brain 10.3 ± 1.36, 10.2, 7.99–13.8 (n = 48); stomach 14.2 ± 3.63, 13.6, 8.00–22.5 (n = 71); intestines 15.7 ± 5.22, 15.8, 8.36–28.1 (n = 35); liver 39.6 ± 16.1, 36.6, 16.0–78.8 (n = 109); kidney 33.8 ± 10.1, 31.8, 16.4–60.9 (n = 93); lung 12.0 ± 3.88, 11.0, 6.13–18.7 (n = 26); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart 26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 6.81 ± 1.21, 7.00, 4.02–8.68 (n = 50); urine 0.69 ± 1.70, 0.60, 0.39–1.00 (n = 5), and bile 4.92 ± 1.64, 3.75, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of SRM Bovine Liver 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 μg Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 μg Zn/g (n = 6)).     

Content of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria</Emphasis> mycotoxin tenuazonic acid in food commodities determined by a stable isotope dilution assay

The Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid (TA) was quantified in fruit juices (n = 50), cereals (n = 12) and spices (n = 38) using a recently developed stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA). [¹³ C₆,¹⁵ N]-TA was used as the internal standard. Method validation revealed low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.15 μg/kg (fruit juices), 1.0 μg/kg (cereals) and 17 μg/kg (spices). The respective limits of quantitation were about three times higher. Recovery was about 100% for all matrices. The precision (relative standard deviation of replicate analyses of naturally contaminated samples) was 4.2% (grape juice; 1.7 μg/kg), 3.5% (whole wheat flour; 36 μg/kg) and 0.9% (curry powder; 215 μg/kg). The median content of TA in the analyzed samples was 1.8 μg/kg (fruit juices), 16 μg/kg (cereals) and 500 μg/kg (spices). Positive samples amounted to 86% (fruit juices), 92% (cereals) and 87% (spices).     

Highly efficient plant regeneration and <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> polyploid induction using hypocotyl explants from diploid mulberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Morus multicaulis</Emphasis> Poir.)

Efficient plant regeneration is essential for successful transformation and in vitro polyploidy induction in mulberry. A high frequency (80%) of plant regeneration from hypocotyls occurred under in vitro conditions in mulberry (Morus multicaulis Poir.). We identified three key factors for enhancing successful regeneration based on earlier work: (1) hypocotyl position, (2) the combination and concentration of growth regulators, and (3) the addition of AgNO₃. The highest frequency of shoot regeneration was achieved using hypocotyl segments, which are proximal to apical meristems, and the optimal culture conditions were Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) basal medium supplemented with 3.0 mg l⁻¹ 6-benzylamino purine, 0.3 mg l⁻¹ indole-3-acetic acid, 0.1% polyvinypyrrolidone, and 1.0 mg/l silver nitrate (AgNO₃) under subdued light at 25 ± 2°C. Treating the shoots with 0.2% colchicine (dipping for 72 h) resulted in a 14% tetraploid frequency, whereas a 20% tetraploid frequency resulted from using a 0.25% colchicine (dripping for 5 d) treatment, as determined by chromosome number counts. The diploid plant chromosome number was 28 (2n = 2x = 28) and that of tetraploid plants was 56 (2n = 4x = 56). Regenerated shoots rooted easily in 8–10 d using half-strength basal MS medium with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid and were successfully established in the soil.     

Genetic structure of introduced European fallow deer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dama dama dama</Emphasis>) in Tasmania,Australia

European fallow deer are an introduced species classified as partly protected wildlife in Tasmania, Australia. Current management practices are primarily governed under the Quality Deer Management regime, in which animals are harvested during designated hunting seasons. Among populations, prominent morphological differences have been reported; however, the genetic relationship of these populations has until now been poorly understood. Representative animals were sampled from three key areas across their range and genotyped at ten polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate genetic diversity, population structure, and genetic bottlenecks. Allelic richness was low in all three populations and ranged between 2.20 and 2.49 alleles/locus. A genetic bottleneck was detected in two of the three populations (P < 0.001). Population differentiation was evident between Lake Echo and Benham (q = 0.122; P < 0.001) and Benham and Connorville (q = 0.110; P < 0.001), but not between Lake Echo and Connorville (q = 0.0235), with individuals being identified as belonging to two genetic clusters. The pattern of population differentiation from the three study populations suggests that deer from the western region of their range are genetically distinct to those from the eastern region. This correlates with morphological variation within Tasmanian fallow deer, in which differences between the regions maybe attributable to geographical barriers.     

Mycotoxins in horse feed

A total of 62 samples of commercial horse feed preparations (complementary feeds) containing cereal mixtures (“muesli” or mash, n = 39; pelleted feeds, n = 12), and plain horse feed grains (maize, n = 5; oats, n = 4; barley, n = 2) were purchased from 21 different producers/distributors from the German market. All samples were analysed by competitive enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for six different mycotoxins (mycotoxin groups). Analytes (detection limit, mean recovery) were: deoxynivalenol (DON, 10 μg/kg, 84%), zearalenone (ZEA, 5 μg/kg, 93%), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁, 2 μg/kg, 113%), T-2 toxin (T-2, 0.1 μg/kg, 71%), sum of T-2 + HT-2 toxin (T-2/HT2, 0.2 μg/kg, 97%), ochratoxin A (OTA, 0.2 μg/kg, 67%), and total ergot alkaloids (Generic Ergot Alkaloids “GEA”, 30 μg/kg, 132%). All samples contained DON (16–4,900 μg/kg, median 220 μg/kg), T-2/HT-2 (0.8–230 μg/kg, median 24 μg/kg), and T-2 (0.3–91 μg/kg, median 7 μg/kg). ZEA was detected in 98% of the samples (7–310 μg/kg, median 61 μg/kg). Most samples (94%) were positive for FB₁ (2–2,200 μg/kg, median 27 μg/kg). Ergot alkaloids were detected in 61% of samples (28–1,200 μg/kg, median 97 μg/kg), OTA was found in 42% of samples (0.2–4 μg/kg, median 0.35 μg/kg). The results demonstrate that a co-contamination with several mycotoxins is very common in commercial horse feed from the German market. The toxin concentrations were in most cases well below the levels which are usually considered as critical or even toxic. The highest mycotoxin concentrations were mostly found in single-grain cereal feed: the maximum values for DON and FB₁ were found in maize, the highest T-2/HT-2 toxin concentrations were found in oats, and the highest concentration of ergot alkaloids was found in barley. In composed feeds, no correlation between cereal composition and mycotoxin levels could be found.