Aflatoxicosis and Vitamins A and E supplementation in Sows: Immunological State in Their Piglets

ABSTRACT The authors’ previous investigations showed that daily administration of 300 ppb of aflatoxin to sows from day 42–45 of gestation until weaning time, produced indirect intoxication of their piglets, leading to the exhibition of mild clinical signs of disease and histological patterns of altered cell-mediated immunity (Cabassi et al., 2002). Harvey et al. (1995) reported deficient levels of retinol and tocopherol in the tissue and serum of pigs affected by aflatoxicosis; they suggested that greater amounts of vitamins E and A are required by the body during the course of this disease and that both vitamins play a protective and detoxifying role in the presence of aflatoxins. Based on these considerations, the aim of our research was to assess wherether vitamin A and E supplements in AF contaminated feedstuff given to sows during gestation and lactation had a similar protective and detoxifying effect on their offspring. To verify this, the young animals’ immune status was examined and signs of any adverse effects were sought by means of haematological and morphostructural examinations.