Field observations in pigs exposed to fumonisin B1 contaminated feed

Fourteen pigs, fed during the last 5 mo of rearing on fumonisin B1 naturals contaminated Feed, were evaluated for hernatological and biochemical effects. After slaughtering of the animals, the liver and I kidney underwent histopathological examination; the other kidney was tested by HPLC for fumonisin 131 residues. With Feed contamination of 2 and 22 mg fumonisin B1/kg, the calculated claim intake of fumonisin 131 was similar to50 mug/kg bw before the first blood sampling and similar to500 mug/kg bw before the second blood sampling and slaughter. No hernatological changes were observed, while moderate adverse effects on liver function (ALT and cholesterol) and hepatocyte integrity were found. No histopathological alterations nor fumonisin residues were detected (LOD 5 mug/kg) in the kidneys. The levels of contamination had slight but observed effects on swine health. The lack of fumonisin 131 carry-over to edible swine tissues was confirmed and under the studied conditions, no consumer risk from the pork products was expected.