ISSUE FOCUS 30 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 ear and tail necrosis, but also by other inflammatory processes even in suckling piglets receiving milk containing higher endotoxin quantities. Likewise, cattle react in a quite sensitive way to increased amounts of endotoxins. As a result, for example the development of various metabolic diseases such as laminitis, milk fever or ruminal acidosis can be substantially promoted. How can a counterstrategy look like? Since endotoxins belong to the natural environment, it is impossible and by the way also unwise to eliminate them entirely. It is rather a question of keeping a healthy balance regarding the uptake of endotoxin quantities. Because this balance can be disturbed by multiple factors, a successful counter-concept should be just as complex. For this purpose, the following aspects may be influenced by feed additives: 1. The integrity of the gastrointestinal barrier The centerpiece of a smart endotoxin management concept should be the preservation of gut integrity. Mycotoxins disrupt the gastrointestinal barrier, cause oxidative stress, and strain liver metabolism. Consequently, an efficient mycotoxin management reduces the risk for endotoxin associated diseases. Additionally, further additive groups are able to stabilize the gastrointestinal barrier from both sides. Betaine for example supports cells of the gut epithelium to preserve their intracellular osmotic pressure even during challenging conditions. On the back of this, betaine provides numerous beneficial effects on important metabolization processes in the liver. Trace elements such as zinc, copper and manganese may also contribute to gut integrity. Forming central hubs in important enzymes, they play major roles in detoxifying, immunological and metabolic processes. With their improved bioavailability, organically bound trace elements allow a more efficient use of these essential micronutrients. 2. The quality of the microbiome An overgrowth of gram-negative bacteria in the intestine can lead to an increased release of endotoxins and induce inflammatory processes. High quality pre- and probiotics are able to give this sensitive system more stability. Furthermore, they provide even added values like increased bioavailability of nutrients or support of the immune system. 3. The liver function The enterally absorbed endotoxins are transported directly to the liver by the portal blood stream. In the first place, the liver is responsible for their fast and efficient neutralization. Consequently, additives promoting detoxifying processes and liver metabolism can be an effective supporting tool against endotoxin stress. Conclusion Endotoxins belong to the usual environment of our livestock and humans as well. Animal nutrition is not able to generally defend any gram-negative bacteraemia. Similarly, a healthy balance will not be realizable by one single magic remedy. But a smart concept of feed additives, reducing the uptake of endotoxins on the one hand and promoting their clearance on the other hand, can obviously reduce the risk of a pathological increase of these highly reactive bacterial cell wall components inside the organism. The preservation of gut integrity is the centerpiece of such a concept. Mycotoxins with their cytotoxic effects play a decisive role in destabilizing gut integrity. Additionally, they severely strain liver metabolism. Accordingly, their efficient neutralization constitutes a decisive component in a successful endotoxin management. 1Arch Toxicol (2017) 91:1007–1029DOI 10.1007/ s00204-016-1794-8
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