UNAIR NEWS – Zearalenone (ZEN) is one of the toxins from a group of fungi that usually attacks livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. ZEN occurred due to contamination of grass or other forages given by farmers as feed.
ZEN has a devastating effect on farm animals because it damages cells in all parts of the body, especially the reproductive organs. Thus, Ragil Angga Prastiya, drh., M.Si along with his colleague Dr. Samik, drh., M.Si, Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad Purnama, drh., M.Si, and Amung Logam Saputro, drh., M.Si conducted research to provide innovations in overcoming the ZEN attack.
“The innovation given is in the form of a Mycotoxin Binder, which is an anti-Mycotoxin innovation that can bind the fungus. In this case, I use is Zearalenone mushroom,” said the lecturer, who is familiarly called Ragil.
Mycotoxin Binder is a Zearalenone mushroom binding agent that is easily applied periodically to avoid the harmful effects of the feed given. Besides, the low price and widely available in the market make this innovation promising for cattle, goats, and sheep farms.
Ragil explained that the main focus of this study was on ZEN attacks on female reproductive organs. It is intended to reduce the level of risk of pregnancy failure in female animals.
The experimental animals used were 20 healthy mice (Mus musculus). The results given are quite significant at a certain percentage can reduce ZEN attacks on the reproductive organs of female mice.
“This research is a comprehensive study. The team also examined the attack of Zearalenone fungus on other reproductive organs of livestock, “he explained
In the future, Ragil wants to conduct further research related to ZEN attacks on male reproductive organs. Besides, Ragil hopes to provide education to farmers through community service in the Banyuwangi and surrounding areas.
Author: Dian Putri Apriliani
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
