[The effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on the vitamin A, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid status in young pigs]

Admixture for 14 to 26 days of concentrations between 1 mg/kg to 250 mg/kg of polychlorinated biphenyls, Delor 103, 105, and 106 (Chemko, Strázeke) to ready-mixed feedstuffs was studied in 5 experiments for its effects on 71 piglets and store pigs. Neither growth nor general health were in any way impaired. Polychlorinated biphenyls produced different effects upon vitamin A, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid levels in different organs. Vitamin A concentrations in blood serum, for example were reduced by 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of Delor 105 as well as by 250 mg/kg of Delor 103. Liver levels were not significantly depressed. No changes were recordable from vitamin E levels in blood serum and liver. Ascorbic acid saturation of the organism was positively affected. Its concentrations and overall levels in the liver in all experimental groups were higher than those in all controls. Significant rise of ascorbic acid concentrations in blood serum, urine, and kidneys occurred merely in response to 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of Delor 105 as well as to 250 mg/kg of Delor 103. No adverse effect of tissue-borne residues of polychlorinated biphenyls on the status of administered vitamins was recordable 1 to 4 months after termination of experimental supply. Feed intake with 1 mg/kg of Delor 105, which was equivalent to increased natural contamination, did not cause any negative phenomena in any of the probands.