Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1

Screening and Identification of Probiotic Lactobacilli from the Infant Gut Microbiota to Alleviate Lead Toxicity

Lead (Pb2+) exposure cause a potential hazard to human health and the ecological environment; however, prevention and treatment of Pb2+ toxicity remain problems. The aim of this study is to isolate a novel probiotic lead (Pb2+)-resistant Lactobacillus strain from the infant gut microbiota and to determine whether they have the probiotic properties and investigate its preventive and therapeutic effects in the early-life Pb2+ exposure mouse model. In the present study, a total of 64 Pb2+-resistant colonies were isolated from the infant gut microbiota. Of these colonies, SYF-08, identified as Lacticaseibacillus casei, exhibited a Pb2+-binding capacity and Pb2+ tolerance. The in vivo study showed that SYF-08 treatment could effectively reduce Pb2+ levels in the blood, alleviate Pb2+ enrichment in bone and brain tissues, and recover the intestinal and brain damage in both dams and offspring. SYF-08 treatment also improved the antioxidant index in the liver and kidney tissues, while increasing the diversity of the intestinal microbiota of the offspring. The results of the in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that SYF-08, isolated from infant fecal samples, is a promising candidate probiotic against Pb2+ toxicity.

Protective efficacy of luteolin against aflatoxinB1-induced toxicity, oxidative damage, and apoptosis in the rat liver

One particularly harmful mycotoxin, aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁), usually triggers liver toxicity and oxidative stress in both humans and other mammals. Luteolin (LUTN), a popular active phytochemical molecule, exhibits a strong antioxidant potential. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the potential molecular mechanism in rats and determine if LUTN exhibits protective benefits against AFB₁-induced hepatotoxicity. Random selection was used to determine the four treatment groups, each consisting of 24 rats (n = 6). Physiological saline was administered to group 1 (CONT); group 2 received LUTN for a dosage of 50-mg/kg BW. AFB₁ was administered to group 3 for a dosage of 0.75-mg/kg BW, and AFB₁ with LUTN was given to group 4 at the same dosages mentioned in the previous groups. Rats intoxicated with AFB₁ alterations of hepatic transaminases, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), displayed periportal mononuclear cell infiltrations, disorganized lobular architecture, and dispersed necrotic cells in their liver tissues. By reducing serum biochemical levels of the hepatic transaminases ALT and AST brought on by AFB₁ exposure, our results demonstrated that LUTN treatment considerably restored liver injury. Through lowering the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as by boosting the activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), LUTN mitigated the oxidative stress brought on by AFB₁. Our findings showed that LUTN significantly reversed the liver damage caused by AFB₁. When considered as a whole, LUTN may protect the liver from damage brought on by AFB₁ by acting as a potential mitigator and may aid in the creation of cutting-edge therapies to treat liver illnesses in humans and/or animals.

Aflatoxins: Source, Detection, Clinical Features and Prevention

The most potent mycotoxin, aflatoxins are the secondary metabolite produced by fungi, especially Aspergillus, and have been found to be ubiquitous, contaminating cereals, crops, and even milk and causing major health and economic issues in some countries due to poor storage, substandard management, and lack of awareness. Different aspects of the toxin are reviewed here, including its structural biochemistry, occurrence, factors conducive to its contamination and intoxication and related clinical features, as well as suggested preventive and control strategies and detection methods.

Potential application of probiotics in mycotoxicosis reduction in mammals and poultry

Mycotoxins in feedstuffs are considered as a principal worry by food safety authorities worldwide because most of them can be transferred from the feed to food commodities of animal origin, and further consumed by humans. Therefore, effective alternatives for the reduction of the impact of mycotoxins need to be applied in the feed production industry. Applications of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) can be alternative and applied as feed additives in order to reduce or eliminate the toxic effects of mycotoxins on animals. The aim of this article is to provide information on the role of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) and point out their role in the reduction of the effect of mycotoxin toxicity in farming animals (mammals and poultry). The objective was to provide a summary of the existing knowledge based on the application of different strains belonging to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or yeasts that are already or can be future employed in the feed industry, in order to reduce mycotoxicosis presence in mammals and poultry exposed to mycotoxin-contaminated feed. Moreover, an overview of mycotoxins toxicity in mammals and poultry will be presented, and furthermore, the role of the beneficial microorganisms (including probiotics) in the reduction of mycotoxins toxicity (aflatoxicosis, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, and fumonisin toxicities) will be described in detail.

Effects of hexanoic acid on microbial communities, fermentation, and hygienic quality of corn silages infested with toxigenic fungi

BACKGROUND

This study aims to reveal the effects of hexanoic acid on the microbial communities, fermentation, and the hygienic quality of corn silages with or without fungal infection. Fungal-infested (FI) and non-infested (NFI) whole-crop corn samples were separately ensiled without (control, CON) or with hexanoic acid (Hex, 90% purity) at 0.2 g·kg^-1 fresh weight (FW).

RESULT

The addition of Hex accelerated the pH decline during the first 5 days of ensiling regardless of fungal infestation. The lactic acid (LA) concentration in Hex silages was lower than that in CON during 45 days of ensiling; however the FI-Hex silage had the highest LA concentration among treatments on day 90. The Hex silage showed lower aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁ ), zearalenone (ZEA), and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations than CON for FI silages. On day 5, the addition of Hex decreased the relative abundance of Klebsiella, Pantoea, and Enterobacter compared with CON, regardless of fungal infestation. This inhibitory effect lasted until day 90 for NFI silages but disappeared for FI silages on day 90. The fungal infestation resulted in the accumulation of Candida (34.05%) and Wickerhamomyces (19.46%). Hex decreased the relative abundance of Asperigillus, Issatchenkia, and Penicillium for NFI silages on day 5; however, its inhibitory effects were not observed in FI silages on day 5.

CONCLUSION

Fungal infestation was associated with poor fermentation and hygienic quality of corn silage. Adding Hex accelerated the pH decline and maintained the antifungal activity until 90 days of ensiling, attenuating adverse effects of fungal infestation on the fermentation and preventing the accumulation of mycotoxins in corn silages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of Growth Performance, Nitrogen Balance and Blood Metabolites of Mutton Sheep Fed an Ammonia-Treated Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet treated with ammonia on the diet detoxification and growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites in sheep. Twenty-four female mutton sheep with an initial body weight of 50 ± 2.5 kg were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control diet (C); (2) aflatoxin diet (T; control diet supplemented with 75 μg of AFB1/kg of dry matter); and (3) ammoniated diet (AT; ammoniated aflatoxin diet). The results showed decreases (p < 0.05) in average daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, and retained nitrogen, and an increase (p < 0.05) in urine nitrogen excretion in sheep fed diet T compared with those fed the other diets. In comparison to C and AT, feeding T decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidants and increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of alanine amino transferase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6. In summary, ammonia treatment has the potential to decrease the concentration of AFB1 and alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1.

Biotechnological Processes Simulating the Natural Fermentation Process of Bee Bread and Therapeutic Properties-An Overview

Recent signs of progress in functional foods and nutraceuticals highlighted the favorable impact of bioactive molecules on human health and longevity. As an outcome of the fermentation process, an increasing interest is developed in bee products. Bee bread (BB) is a different product intended for humans and bees, resulting from bee pollen's lactic fermentation in the honeycombs, abundant in polyphenols, nutrients (vitamins and proteins), fatty acids, and minerals. BB conservation is correlated to bacteria metabolites, mainly created by Pseudomonas spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Saccharomyces spp., which give lactic acid bacteria the ability to outperform other microbial groups. Because of enzymatic transformations, the fermentation process increases the content of new compounds. After the fermentation process is finalized, the meaningful content of lactic acid and several metabolites prevent the damage caused by various pathogens that could influence the quality of BB. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in bee pollen fermentation processes to unconventional dietary and functional supplements. The use of the chosen starters improves the bioavailability and digestibility of bioactive substances naturally found in bee pollen. As a consequence of enzymatic changes, the fermentation process enhances BB components and preserves them against loss of characteristics. In this aspect, the present review describes the current biotechnological advancements in the development of BB rich in beneficial components derived from bee pollen fermentation and its use as a food supplement and probiotic product with increased shelf life and multiple health benefits.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates deoxynivalenol-induced kidney oxidative damage and mitochondrial injury in weaned piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin that pollutes food crops and adversely affects the health of animals, even humans. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can alleviate intestinal injury, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the potential of LGG in alleviating kidney injury induced by DON in piglets remains to be studied. The objective of this study was to investigate the adverse effect of DON on kidney injury and the protective ability of LGG. A total of twenty-seven weaned piglets were divided into three groups: CON group, DON group (3.11 mg kg^-1 feed) and LGG + DON group (LGG powder 1 g kg^-1 + DON 3.15 mg kg^-1 feed). DON increased the MDA content, and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, DON activated the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. However, LGG supplementation alleviated the damage of DON to the kidney antioxidant system of piglets. Notably, DON significantly reduced the Sirt3 expression (P < 0.05), which was alleviated by LGG addition. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis related factors such as VDAC1 and Cyt C was up-regulated by DON (P < 0.05), and LGG could improve mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, LGG mitigated DON-induced mitochondrial fusion inhibition, and prevented DON-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. In conclusion, LGG play a protective role in DON-induced kidney toxicity, and dietary intervention may be a strategy to reduce mycotoxins.

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Interventions to Control Aflatoxins in the Dairy Production Chain—Feed Production and Animal Feeding Interventions

The study presents a systematic review of published scientific articles investigating the effects of interventions aiming at aflatoxin reduction at the feed production and animal feeding phases of the milk value chain in order to identify the recent scientific trends and summarize the main findings available in the literature. The review strategy was designed based on the guidance of the systematic review and knowledge synthesis methodology that is applicable in the field of food safety. The Web of Science and EBSCOhost online databases were searched with predefined algorithms. After title and abstract relevance screening and relevance confirmation with full-text screening, 67 studies remained for data extraction, which were included in the review. The most important identified groups of interventions based on their mode of action and place in the technological process are as follows: low-moisture production using preservatives, acidity regulators, adsorbents and various microbiological additives. The results of the listed publications are summarized and compared for all the identified intervention groups. The paper aimed to help feed producers, farmers and relevant stakeholders to get an overview of the most suitable aflatoxin mitigation options, which is extremely important in the near future as climate change will likely be accompanied by elevated mycotoxin levels.

Innovative application of postbiotics, parabiotics and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum RM1 and Lactobacillus paracasei KC39 for detoxification of aflatoxin M1 in milk powder

This study aimed to evaluate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) level in milk powder and infant milk formulae, in addition to applying innovative methods for AFM1 & AFB1 detoxification. Fifty random samples of milk powder and infant formulae (25 of each) were collected from the Egyptian markets for assessing AFM1 level using ELISA technique. Bioactive components comprising cell free supernatants (postbiotic), acid-dead cells (parabiotic) and the encapsulated-cells of Lactobacillus plantarum RM1 and Lactobacillus paracasei KC39 were evaluated for their antifungal activity against toxigenic mold strains and their impact on AFB1 and AFM1 reduction in reconstituted milk powder. AFM1 concentration in unpacked milk powder was higher than that of packed samples and infant formulae, although these differences were not significant (P > 0.05). About 96.0, 29.4 and 25.0% of the tested infant formulae, unpacked, and packed milk powder were unacceptable in terms of the AFM1 limit defined by Egyptian and European standards, while all samples were in accordance with the USA/FDA standard. All tested mycotoxigenic strains were sensitive to the different treatments of the probiotics with the highest sensitivity regarding Fusarium strain with L. paracasei KC39 compared to other genera. The degradation ratios of AFM1 using the bioactives of the L. paracasei KC39 were higher than that of L. plantarum RM1 bioactives. Additionally, KC39 parabiotic manifested the best AFB1 reduction (60.56%). In conclusion, the positive and highly significant relationship (P < 0.05) between these effective biocompounds mirrors their major detoxification role which gives a safe solution for AFs contamination issues in milk and milk products.

The Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Applications in Animal Husbandry

The intestinal tract of animals is a complex ecosystem in which nutrients, microbiota and host cells interact extensively. Probiotics can be considered as part of the natural microbiota of the gut and are involved in improving homeostasis. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is a general term for a class of non-spore forming, gram-positive bacteria whose main product of fermented sugar is lactic acid. LAB are considered to be a type of probiotic due to their health-promoting effects on the host, and are very effective in the treatment of human and animal diseases. LAB have been widely used as a class of microbial agents in the field of livestock and poultry breeding. They are also considered to be the best substitutes for antibiotics to improve animal health. Here, we review the biological functions, probiotic characteristics and applications of LAB in livestock and poultry breeding. This review is designed to provide a theoretical base for the in-depth exploration and promotion of LAB use in animal diets.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on the Fermentation Quality and Mycotoxins Concentrations of Corn Silage Infested with Mycotoxigenic Fungi

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on fermentation quality, mycotoxin concentrations, and microbial communities of whole-crop corn silages infested with mycotoxigenic fungi. Cultured spores (10⁶ cfu/mL) of mycotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium graminearum were sprayed (5 mL) on corn forage on 27 July and 10 August 2018. On 21 August 2018, sprayed (FI; 3 plots) and unsprayed (NFI; 3 plots) corn forage were harvested at the 1/2 kernel milk line stage, followed by chopping and ensiling without inoculants (CON), or with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB, 1 × 10⁶ cfu/g FW), Lactobacillus plantarum (LT, 1 × 10⁶ cfu/g FW), or L. buchneri + L. plantarum (BT: both L. buchneri and L. plantarum applied at 0.5 × 10⁶ cfu/g FW). After 90 d of ensiling, FI silages had a higher (p < 0.05) pH value and higher acetic acid (ACA), ethanol, and ammonia nitrogen (ammonia N) concentrations, but lower (p < 0.05) lactic acid (LA) concentrations than NFI silage. The inoculants decreased pH and increased LA concentration and LA/ACA compared with CON. The aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) was only detected in FI fresh corn and silages; ensiling decreased (p < 0.05) AFB₁ concentration compared with fresh corn, and LB and BT decreased AFB₁ concentration compared with CON. The zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), and fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) concentrations were similar (p < 0.05) for NFI silages, while ZEN concentration in BT was the lowest (p < 0.05) among all FI silages; DON and FB₁ concentrations in LB, LT, and BT silages were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those of CON in FI silages. The fungal infestation increased the bacterial and fungal diversity of silages compared with NFI silages. The FI silages had a higher relative abundance (RA) of Lactobacillus, Weissella, Wickerhamomyces, Pichia, and Epicoccum than the corresponding NFI silages. The RA of Aspergillus and Fusarium markedly decreased after 90 d of ensiling, and the inoculation expanded this trend irrespective of fungal infestation. The Penicillium in FI silages survived after 90 d of ensiling, while the inoculants decreased the RA of Penicillium. Inoculants mitigate the adverse effects of fungal infestation on corn silage quality by changing the bacterial and fungal communities.

The Protection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661 Against Benzopyrene-Induced Toxicity via Regulation of the Gut Microbiota

The present study evaluated the protection of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCFM8661, a candidate probiotic with excellent benzopyrene (B[a]P)-binding capacity in vitro, against B[a]P-induced toxicity in the colon and brain of mice. Mice that received B[a]P alone served as the model group. Each mouse in the L. plantarum treatment groups were administered 2×109 colony forming unit (CFU) of L. plantarum strains once daily, followed by an oral dose of B[a]P at 50 mg/kg body weight. Behavior, biochemical indicators in the colon and brain tissue, and the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the gut were investigated. Compared to the treatment in the model group, CCFM8661 treatment effectively reduced oxidative stress in the brain, improved behavioral performance, increased intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviated histopathological changes in mice. Moreover, CCFM8661 increased the gut microbiota diversity and abundance of Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae and reduced the abundance of pro-inflammatory Turicibacter spp. Additionally, the production of SCFAs was significantly increased by L. plantarum CCFM8661. Our results suggest that CCFM8661 is effective against acute B[a]P-induced toxicity in mice and that it can be considered as an effective and easy dietary intervention against B[a]P toxicity.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mycotoxin Modifiers and Mycotoxin Binders by Using an In Vitro Rumen Model as a First Screening Tool

Ruminal microbiota of cattle are not able to detoxify all mycotoxins. In addition, detoxification can be hampered by adverse ruminal conditions (e.g., low ruminal pH). Hence, in the cattle husbandry, mycotoxin binders and modifiers could be used to prevent animal exposure to mycotoxins. In this study, an in vitro rumen model, including feed matrix, was established as first screening tool to test the efficacy of five products claiming to detoxify mycotoxins. The detoxifiers had different modes of action: (a) binding (three products); (b) enzymatic detoxification of zearalenone (ZEN; one product, ZenA); and (c) bacterial transformation of trichothecenes (one product, BBSH 797). For the mycotoxin binders, the binding to the mycotoxins enniatin B (ENN B), roquefortine C (ROQ-C), mycophenolic acid (MPA), deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), and zearalenone (ZEN) were tested at a dose recommended by the manufacturers. The in vitro model demonstrated that all binders adsorbed ENN B to a certain extent, while only one of the binders also partially adsorbed ROQ-C. The binders did not change the concentrations of the other mycotoxins in the ruminal fluid. The enzyme ZenA detoxified ZEN very quickly and prevented the formation of the more toxic metabolite α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), both at normal (6.8) and low ruminal pH (5.8). The addition of BBSH 797 enhanced detoxification of DON and NIV, both at normal and low ruminal pH. The in vitro rumen model demonstrated that the addition of ZenA seems to be a very promising strategy to prevent estrogenic effects of ZEN contaminated feed, and BBSH 797 is efficient in the detoxification of trichothecenes.

Histopathological study and intestinal mucous cell responses against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Aim

This study aimed to examine the intestinal histopathological lesions and mucous cell responses in the entire intestines of Nile tilapia administered with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)-mixed feed, after Aeromonas hydrophila challenge.

Materials and Methods

Intestinal samples from fish fed with control normal diet or LGG-mixed feed (10¹⁰ colony-forming unit [CFU]/g feed) with or without A. hydrophila in phosphate-buffered saline challenge (7.46 × 10⁸ CFU/mL/fish) were collected and processed for histopathological study. The mucous cell responses were evaluated using histochemistry, using Alcian blue (AB) at pH 2.5, AB at pH 1.0, and periodic acid-Schiff-AB at pH 2.5. The quantification of the intestinal mucous cell size and the staining character of each mucin type from the entire intestine were recorded and counted.

Results

Histopathological study showed remarkable lesions only in the proximal intestine in fish infected with A. hydrophila, while LGG-fed fish had less intestinal damage, perhaps resulting from heterophil infiltration. Furthermore, a significant (p<0.01) increase in mixed mucous cell numbers was observed mainly in the proximal intestine of all challenged fish, compared with normal diet-fed fish without challenge, and also in LGG-fed fish with A. hydrophila challenge compared with LGG-fed fish without challenge.

Conclusion

Dietary LGG-fed Nile tilapia showed improvements in host innate immunity. In addition, LGG was effective in decreasing intestinal lesions from A. hydrophila-induced intestinal damage. Moreover, increasing numbers of mixed mucous cells in the proximal intestine might be indicative of certain pathological conditions in Nile tilapia after A. hydrophila infection.

In Vitro Rumen Simulations Show a Reduced Disappearance of Deoxynivalenol, Nivalenol and Enniatin B at Conditions of Rumen Acidosis and Lower Microbial Activity

Ruminants are generally considered to be less susceptible to the effects of mycotoxins than monogastric animals as the rumen microbiota are capable of detoxifying some of these toxins. Despite this potential degradation, mycotoxin-associated subclinical health problems are seen in dairy cows. In this research, the disappearance of several mycotoxins was determined in an in vitro rumen model and the effect of realistic concentrations of those mycotoxins on fermentation was assessed by volatile fatty acid production. In addition, two hypotheses were tested: (1) a lower rumen pH leads to a decreased degradation of mycotoxins and (2) rumen fluid of lactating cows degrade mycotoxins better than rumen fluid of non-lactating cows. Maize silage was spiked with a mixture of deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), enniatin B (ENN B), mycophenolic acid (MPA), roquefortine C (ROQ-C) and zearalenone (ZEN). Fresh rumen fluid of two lactating cows (L) and two non-lactating cows (N) was added to a buffer of normal pH (6.8) and low pH (5.8), leading to four combinations (L6.8, L5.8, N6.8, N5.8), which were added to the spiked maize substrate. In this study, mycotoxins had no effect on volatile fatty acid production. However, not all mycotoxins fully disappeared during incubation. ENN B and ROQ-C disappeared only partially, whereas MPA showed almost no disappearance. The disappearance of DON, NIV, and ENN B was hampered when pH was low, especially when the inoculum of non-lactating cows was used. For ZEN, a limited transformation of ZEN to α-ZEL and β-ZEL was observed, but only at pH 6.8. In conclusion, based on the type of mycotoxin and the ruminal conditions, mycotoxins can stay intact in the rumen.

Development of an UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Mycotoxins in Rumen Fluid with and without Maize Silage Emphasizes the Importance of Using Matrix-Matched Calibration

Ruminants are less susceptible to the effects of mycotoxins than monogastric animals as their rumen microbiota are claimed to degrade and/or deactivate at least some of these toxic compounds. However, the mycotoxin degradation is not well-known yet. For this, a sensitive, specific, and accurate analytical method is needed to determine mycotoxins in the rumen fluid. This study aims to develop and thoroughly validate an ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative determination in the rumen fluid of some of the most relevant mycotoxins found in maize silage in Western Europe: deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), zearalenone (ZEN), mycophenolic acid (MPA), roquefortine C (ROQ-C) and enniatin B (ENN B), as well as their metabolites deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1), α-zearalenol (α-ZEL), β-zearalenol (β-ZEL), zearalanone (ZAN), α-zearalanol (α-ZAL) and β-zearalanol (β-ZAL). As feed is often present in the rumen fluid samples, the potential interaction of feed particles with the mycotoxin extraction and analysis was investigated. Extraction recovery and matrix effects were determined in the rumen fluid with and without maize silage. Differences in those parameters between rumen fluid alone and rumen fluid with maize silage highlight the importance of using matrix-matched calibration curves for the quantification of mycotoxins in rumen fluid samples. A cross-validation of the method with rumen fluid and maize silage demonstrates that this analytical method can be applied in research on rumen fluid samples to investigate the degradation of the reported mycotoxins by rumen microbiota if matrix-matched calibration is performed.