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Effects of Dietary Aflatoxin and Zinc on Enzymes and Other Blood Constituents in Dairy Calves¹

Departments of Animal and Dairy Science, and Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602

ABSTRACT

Young male Holstein calves were fed diets containing 40 or 640 ppm zinc with 0 or 5 ppm aflatoxin for 3 wk. The aflatoxin mixture contained 80.5% B₁ and the calves consumed 143 mg of B₁ over 3 wk. Plasma glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were increased substantially, and lactic dehydrogenase was reduced in aflatoxin-fed calves. Supplemental zinc partially counteracted the effect of aflatoxin on these enzymes. Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and total solids in blood plasma were increased in aflatoxin-fed calves, but high dietary zinc had no effect on these blood constituents. Glucose in plasma was reduced in calves receiving aflatoxin. High dietary zinc was only partially effective in protecting against the reduced glucose effect for about 1 wk. Total protein, albumin, globulin, ratio of albumin/ globulin in blood plasma, and liver lipid were not affected by aflatoxin.

Several enzymes and blood constituents are affected by alfatoxin in calves. The protection of zinc against aflatoxicosis appears to be no more than a partial effect.

¹ Supported by State and Hatch funds allocated to the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations.

² Department of Poultry Science.

³ School of Forest Resources.