Effects of montmorillonite clay on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, vulva size, faecal microflora, and oxidative stress in weaning gilts challenged with zearalenone

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of montmorillonite clay (MC) on performance and nutrient digestibility of pigs challenged with zearalenone (ZEA). In experiment 1, 144 gilts (10.07 ± 0.87 kg) were assigned to 1 of 8 treatments in 2 × 4 factorial randomized complete block design for a 28 d trial (6 pigs/pen, 3 pens/treatment). Factors included (1) ZEA levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg ZEA/kg) and (2) MC addition [Clay to ZEA...