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[Acute and subchronic monensin toxicity for lambs]
Veterinarno-Meditsinski Nauki
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Monensin toxicity in lambs can be fatal at high doses (10-30 mg/kg), causing severe clinical signs and pathological changes. Lower doses or prolonged feeding (10-50 g/t) may cause temporary appetite loss but are generally safe.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Toxicology
- Animal Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Monensin, a widely used coccidiostat in livestock, requires thorough toxicity assessment.
- Understanding monensin's toxicological profile in young ruminants is crucial for safe application in feed formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of monensin sodium in fattening male lambs.
- To determine dose-dependent effects and identify clinical and pathological manifestations of monensin toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Acute toxicity study involving single oral doses of monensin sodium (5, 10, 30 mg/kg).
- Subchronic toxicity study with 30-day feed supplementation of monensin sodium (10 and 50 g/t).
- Clinical observations, blood biochemistry, and post-mortem pathological examinations (gross and microscopic).
Main Results:
- A single oral dose of 5 mg/kg caused transient appetite loss without other adverse effects.
- Doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg were lethal, inducing anorexia, ataxia, paralysis, tachycardia, and severe gastrointestinal and organ damage.
- Subchronic administration (10-50 g/t) resulted in temporary appetite loss but no significant negative impact on general condition, blood parameters, or organ structure.
Conclusions:
- Monensin sodium exhibits dose-dependent toxicity in lambs, with high acute doses being lethal.
- Subchronic dietary exposure at recommended levels appears safe, though temporary appetite reduction can occur.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of monensin on lamb weight gain.