Evaluation of Collagen and Elastin Content in Skin of Multiparous Minks Receiving Feed Contaminated with Deoxynivalenol (DON vomitoxin) with or without Bentonite Supplementation

摘要

The presence of mycotoxins in products intended for consumption is harmful to the health of both people and animals. One of the most abundant mycotoxins in mink’s feed, often contaminating cereal grains, is a mycotoxin produced by the fungi spp. deoxynivalenol (DON). The aim of the study was to investigate whether and how the long-term supply of this mycotoxin in feed influences the skin of adult female minks. An additional objective was to assess the effects of the bentonite additive to feed contaminated by DON, which has the ability to reduce the impact of mycotoxins. The scrapes of the skin were collected from animals after euthanasia and before pelting. After preparing histological slides, samples were examined microscopically. The thickness of the epidermis and dermis was investigated and the presence of elastin and collagen. These parameters determine the quality of the fur skins and economic aspect of this animal husbandry. The results showed that DON causes a decrease in the presence of total collagen and absence of immature collagen, thus reducing the elasticity and flexibility of the skin. The addition the bentonite to feed stimulates the production of collagen, restoring the proper relationship between the tested parameters in mink’s skin.