Untersuchungen zur Abbaukinetik vom Zearalenon und zur Wirkung eines Zearalenon-abbauenden Enzyms bei Milchkühen

The mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) is a secondary metabolite of Fusarium molds and occurs naturally in grains and forages around the world, jeopardizing animals and human health. Because of its similar spatial structure to estrogen, ZEN can enter into competitive binding with estrogen receptors and thus influencing the sexual cycle events of the animals. While some mycotoxins are naturally detoxified in the rumen, this is not likely to be the case for ZEN, as rumen degradation of ZEN results in the more toxic metabolite α-zearalenone (α-ZEL). So far, effective measures against ZEN toxicity and its effects in cattle are still lacking. In this project, we will evaluate the kinetics of ZEN degradation and the mode of action of a ZEN-degrading enzyme in the digestive tract of dairy cows. Based on this, a strategy for more effective deactivation of ZEN in ruminants will be developed.

Zentrum für Tierernährung und Tierschutzwissenschaften