The failure of purified T-2 mycotoxin to produce hemorrhaging in dairy cattle.

Abstract

A Holstein cow was intubated with 182 mg of 97% pure T-2 toxin (0.44 mg/kg of body weight) for 15 days. A dairy ration containing 50 mg/kg (50 ppm) of T-2 toxin was refused. A calf, born four days after onset of maternal treatment, was intubated with 26.2 mg of purified T-2 toxin (0.6 mg/kg of body weight) for seven consecutive days and then on alternate days for a total of 16 days. The calf was severely affected clinically by the T-2 toxin. The T-2 toxin failed to cause bovine hemorrhagic syndrome in either animal. Unspecific gastrointestinal lesions were noted in the cow but none were detected in the calf. In the calf, severe depression, hindquarter ataxia, knuckling of the rear feet, listlessness and anorexia were caused by the T-2 toxin.