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Dietary ergot alkaloids as a possible cause of tail necrosis in rabbits.

ABSTRACT: This study describes the association between tail necrosis in rabbits and mycotoxins in rabbit feed. Clinical cases of tail necrosis were observed in 14 out of 103 rabbits kept in an outdoor group housing, fed with hay and a commercial pelleted feed. The observed clinical symptoms, alopecia, erosions, crusts and necrosis were restricted to the tail area and exclusively occurred in young rabbits aged 113 ± 20 days. Dermatological examination suggested that ischemia had caused necrosis. Analysis of blood samples showed an elevated level of creatine kinase. No weight loss occurred in affected rabbits. Trauma caused by injuries or technopathic lesions was also excluded. Histopathologically, the lesions were characterized by acute muscle fibre degeneration and chronic active dermatitis with granulation tissue formation. Necropsy of one rabbit revealed hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis as remarkable findings. Feed analysis for ergot alkaloids by enzyme immunoassays yielded a mean and maximum ergot alkaloid content of 410 ± 250 μg/kg and 1,700 μg/kg, respectively. Faeces of affected rabbits contained ergot alkaloids at levels up to 200 μg/kg. The mean and maximum dietary intake of total ergot alkaloids were 17 and 71 μg/kg bodyweight, respectively. Fusarium toxins (trichothecenes, zearalenone, fumonisins) were also found in the feed, but at levels which did not explain the observed effects. The results indicate that ergot alkaloids may have been the cause of tail necrosis, which is supported by literature data showing that rabbits are especially sensitive towards these toxins.

SUBMITTER: Korn AK

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4202174 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Fescue toxicosis is a syndrome that impairs growth and reproduction in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum [(Schreb.].) Darbysh)] in the United States, resulting in approximately $1 billion in annual economic loss in species that utilize this forage resource. Approximately 90% of tall fescue contains an endophytic fungus (Epichloë coenophiala) that produces ergot alkaloids. Ergot alkaloids cause vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to the extremities; however, it remains unknown how blood flow to the reproductive organs is affected in cattle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue reduce blood flow to the reproductive organs, thus hindering reproductive function. Angus heifers (n = 36) naïve to ergot alkaloids were placed in Calan gates and randomly assigned to receive either endophyte-infected fescue seed (E+) or noninfected fescue seed (E-; control) in a total mixed ration for 63 d. Weekly measurements were taken to monitor heifer growth and response to ergot alkaloid exposure. Reproductive measurements, including ovarian structures, uterine and ovarian vessel diameter, and hormone concentrations were determined after heifers were synchronized using the standard CO-Synch + 7 d CIDR protocol to ensure all measurements were collected at the same stages of the estrous cycle (0, 4, 10, and 17 d). Data were analyzed using repeated measures in PROC MIXED of SAS. Average daily gain was decreased for the E+ group (0.8 kg/d) compared to control heifers (1.0 kg/d). Body condition scores tended to be greater in control heifers compared to the E+ group (P = 0.053). Additionally, hair coat and hair shedding scores were greater in E+ heifers compared to controls (P < 0.05). Heart rate, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure did not differ between treatments (P > 0.05). Vasoconstriction was observed in the caudal artery, but not the caudal vein, in heifers consuming the E+ fescue seed (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in antral follicle counts, corpus luteum area or circulating progesterone concentrations in E+ heifers compared to controls (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the diameter of arteries and veins servicing the ovary and uterus on day 10 and 17 of the estrous cycle. Reduction in blood flow to the reproductive organs during critical times in the estrous cycle may contribute to the reduced ovarian function and pregnancy rates associated with fescue toxicosis.

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Dietary ergot alkaloids as a possible cause of tail necrosis in rabbits.

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