Mycotoxins, as feed contaminants, pose serious health risks and cause significant economic losses on farms. The selection of an appropriate and effective adsorbent remains a key challenge for many researchers. Graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives have garnered interest due to their exceptional physicochemical properties. However, the increasing use of GO necessitates a thorough investigation into its potential toxic impacts on animal and human health, as well as the environment. This study evaluates the effects of GO as a feed additive on calf health. Ten calves (100 ± 6 kg) participated in a 20-day experiment: five in the control group (C) and five in the experimental group (T). The control group (C) received feed without GO, while the experimental group (T) was fed a diet containing 30 g of GO/kg/day. Key parameters evaluated included growth performance, biochemical markers (ALT, AST, ALP), and mineral levels (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Cl, Fe, Cu, Zn). The average weight gain was 16.20 ± 0.32 kg in the control group and 15.40 ± 0.26 kg in the GO group, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Calves fed GO-enriched feed exhibited significant reductions in Fe (p = 0.041) and Zn (p = 0.0006) levels, while Mg increased significantly in the control group (p = 0.029). Liver parameters in group T showed significant increases in ALT (p = 0.022), AST (p = 0.027), and ALP (p = 0.015) after 20 days. Additionally, GPx activity was significantly decreased in the GO group (p = 0.011). These results suggest that GO at a dose of 30 g/kg/day in feed can negatively affect calf health.

• Keywords
• adsorbent, animal, cattle, graphene oxide, toxic,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND: Bentonites, as a clay mineral, serve in pig farms as adsorbents of toxic substances. They are mainly used to reduce the negative impact of mycotoxins to maintain the performance and health status of animals. The new genotypes of pigs are highly sensitive to a range of antinutrients, including mycotoxins. Currently, attention is focused on more effective adsorbents of mycotoxins with a higher adsorption capacity. Such materials are in great demand among feed manufacturers. However, there is a concern that these new materials may also adsorb too many essential nutrients and decrease animal performance. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of the new generation of purified bentonites on the efficiency and health status of the pigs. RESULTS: Forty-eight slaughtered pigs with an average weight of 31.2 ± 2.6 kg were included in the experiment. The pigs were divided into two groups (2 × 24 pigs). Pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 66.3 ± 5.2. The first group had a diet without clay (control-C). The second group (treatment-T) was fed a diet with a clay additive (purified bentonite) of 1.5 kg/t. Animals were fed the experimental diet for 35 days. In group T, a higher daily weight gain (by 4.8%) and feed intake (by 2.9%) was observed while the feed conversion decreased by 1.9%. There were no significant differences between the groups of pigs during observation in the evaluation of hematological, biochemical parameters of the blood. Morpho-pathological analysis of the jejunum showed similar signs of moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in the mucosa in the groups C and T, contained similar number of goblet cells. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the addition of the new generation of bentonite clays did not negatively influence the health status and the performance of pigs.

• Keywords
• Bentonite, Growth performance, Health status, Histopathology,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH