Aksel Bernhoft - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Aksel Bernhoft

World Mycotoxin Journal, Nov 2, 2016

This paper presents peer-reviewed studies comparing the content of deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2+T-2... more This paper presents peer-reviewed studies comparing the content of deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2+T-2 toxins, zearalenone (ZEA), nivalenol (NIV), ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins in cereal grains, and patulin (PAT) in apple and apple-based products, produced in organically and conventionally grown crops in temperate regions. Some of the studies are based on data from controlled field trials, however, most are farm surveys and some are food basket surveys. Almost half of the studies focused on DON in cereals. The majority of these studies found no significant difference in DON content in grain from the two farming systems, but several studies showed lower DON content in organically than in conventionally produced cereals. A number of the investigations reported low DON levels in grain, far below the EU limits for food. Many authors suggested that weather conditions, years, locations, tillage practice and crop rotation are more important for the development of DON than the type of farming. Organically produced oats contained mainly lower levels of HT-2+T-2 toxins than conventionally produced oats. Most studies on ZEA reported no differences between farming systems, or lower concentrations in organically produced grain. For the other mycotoxins in cereals, mainly low levels and no differences between the two farming systems were reported. Some studies showed higher PAT contamination in organically than in conventionally produced apple and apple products. The difference may be due to more efficient disease control in conventional orchards. It cannot be concluded that any of the two farming systems increases the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Despite no use of fungicides, an organic system appears generally able to maintain mycotoxin contamination at low levels. More systematic comparisons from scientifically controlled field trials and surveys are needed to clarify if there are differences in the risk of mycotoxin contamination between organically and conventionally produced crops.

Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee or as ad hoc experts, do th... more Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee or as ad hoc experts, do this by virtue of their scientific expertise, not as representatives for their employers. The Civil Services Act instructions on legal competence apply for all work prepared by VKM.

Minerals play many important functions in plant and animal metabolism. Therefore, we investigated... more Minerals play many important functions in plant and animal metabolism. Therefore, we investigated the concentration of Se and other minerals and their relationships in soils and fodder plants in Kosovo. Seventy-three samples of each soil and fodder plants (grass, maize, and wheat) from 30 farms were collected. Both soil and plant samples, after processing and digestion, were analyzed for mineral concentration by ICP-MS. Mineral concentrations in soil and fodder crops, and the best predicting/explanatory models for Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 1 April 2021 doi:10.20944/preprints202104.0030.v1 © 2021 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license. 2 micro minerals concentration, achieved by stepwise linear regression, are presented. Results showed very low concentration of Se in most of the soil and all fodder samples. In addition, the concentration of Co, Zn and Fe was not sufficient to satisfy requirements for all categories of fa...

level (of total diet) of extracted and mildly heat-treated sunflower meal, higher lipid digestibi... more level (of total diet) of extracted and mildly heat-treated sunflower meal, higher lipid digestibility but lower crude protein digestibility than a fishmeal control diet was reported. Histological changes were not detected in the stomach or intestine. Sunflower meal at an inclusion level of 41% in a total diet for rainbow trout resulted in improved crude protein digestibility but reduced nitrogen-free extract and dry matter digestibilities compared to a fishmeal-based control diet. Solvent-extracted cottonseed meal at inclusion levels of more than 50% in total diets for various fish species causes growth depression, but levels of up to 30% of total diet (replacing 50% of fishmeal protein) appeared to be well tolerated by rainbow trout juveniles and did not significantly infringe on growth parameters, feed conversion, nutrient digestibilities or mineral availability. A long-term feeding trial (35 months) showed that even inclusion levels as high as 59% of total diet, which was a complete replacement of fishmeal, did not impact fish growth negatively. However, female rainbow trout fertility was negatively affected by complete replacement of fishmeal with cottonseed meal. Wheat gluten is a highly digestible protein source for rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod. It does not cause morphological changes in the intestinal tissues of salmon. Wheat gluten up to a level of 50% of dietary protein (29% of total diet) can be added to salmon diets without reducing protein, amino acid, fat, and energy digestibility, although αamylase inhibitors in wheat appear to reduce starch digestibility. Corn gluten protein as a protein source is also highly digestible for Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod. In Atlantic salmon, morphological changes in the stomach, mid and distal intestinal tissues were not observed when using whole corn meal as a carbohydrate source in fishmeal-based diets for parr nor 20% corn gluten of total diet, added as a protein source in diets for post-smolts. Potato protein concentrate in diets for rainbow trout resulted in severe appetite loss, even at dietary inclusion levels as low as 5% of total diet. However, if processed to remove inherent solanidine glycoalkaloids and protease inhibitors, up to 20% potato protein concentrate of total diet may be included in diets for salmonids without causing adverse effects on appetite, growth, nutrient digestibility, or nutrient retention. Rice protein concentrate can be included at levels up to 20% in total diets for trout without negatively affecting growth performance. Faba beans have limited application in diets for carnivorous fish due to the high starch content. Peanut meal has not been tested in coldwater carnivorous species. Mixing various plant protein feedstuffs in formulated feeds has been attempted in recent years with varying results. It appears that the proportion of feedstuffs from various sources and the degree of fishmeal substitution that is acceptable will vary depending on fish species and their dietary requirements and preferences. Possible additive/synergistic effects among ANFs, antigens, and/or toxins present in the various feedstuffs that comprise a mixture should also be taken into consideration (see below). Antinutritional factors (Chapter 4.2 for details) Antinutritional factors (ANFs) are defined as innate components of a food/feed ingredient that have a limiting effect on food/feed intake, digestion, and/or nutrient absorption. Possibly the most limiting factor for the use of plant feed ingredients as nutrient sources for fish are ANFs inherent to them. ANFs will most likely cause changes in nutrient availability and/or utilization, physiological responses, and ultimately metabolism, and they will therefore change recommended dietary levels of various nutrients in aquafeeds. The known ANFs and the plant feedstuff in which they are found are listed below. However, it is possible that hitherto unidentified compounds in plants may be important in fish nutrition and health. Little is available in the literature concerning effects of specific ANFs on fish or levels of various ANFs in feeds containing plant ingredients. Thus it is difficult to assess health Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet (VKM) 9 07/604-final effects, especially long-term, on fish. No data has been found regarding effects of isolated ANFs on Atlantic cod and halibut.

Translational Animal Science, 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of Se and other minerals in sheep and the s... more The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of Se and other minerals in sheep and the supplied feed. Four macrominerals (Ca, P, Mg, and S), 7 microminerals (Se, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, and Mo), and 2 toxic minerals (Cd and Pb) were analyzed in 69 feed and 292 sheep blood samples from 30 farms in different regions of Kosovo. The samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and mineral concentrations in whole blood were measured to assess their status in animals. Concentrations of the different minerals in feed were found in the following ranges: 1.9 to 9.5 g Ca/kg DM, 0.8 to 3.2 g P/kg DM, 0.8 to 3.2 g Mg/kg DM, 1.0 to 2.8 g S/kg DM, 6 to 82 µg Se/kg DM, 33 to 970 mg Fe/kg DM, 15 to 42 mg Zn/ kg DM, 2.6 to 7.5 mg Cu/kg DM, 26 to 250 mg Mn/kg DM, 0.04 to 0.88 mg Co/kg DM, 0.05 to 0.86 mg Mo/ kg DM, 0.07 to 2.02 mg Pb/kg DM, and 0.02 to 0.19 mg Cd/kg DM. Concentrations of the microminerals analyzed in whole blood were found in the following ranges: 15...

European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety, 2018

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A — Animal Science, 2015

Abstract The main goal of the study was to assess the selenium (Se) status of sheep and cows in s... more Abstract The main goal of the study was to assess the selenium (Se) status of sheep and cows in some of the Western Balkan countries. A total number of 105 sheep and 160 cow blood samples (from 21 and 39 farms, respectively) were collected and analyzed for Se in the whole blood (WB). Samples have been analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results showed that 85.6% of sheep and 45.6% of cows had inadequate (≤100 ng/mL) level of WB-Se concentration. The WB-Se concentration was significantly higher in both Se supplemented sheep and cows than in those without any Se supplementation. The WB-Se concentration was inadequate at all farms without Se supplementation. Therefore, Se should be supplemented to the animal feed or Se-biofortified feed used to ensure adequate level of Se in cows and sheep in all the Balkan countries.

European journal of nutrition & food safety, Dec 27, 2021

The XyRex® formulations are antimicrobial agents with sodium chlorite as the active substance. Th... more The XyRex® formulations are antimicrobial agents with sodium chlorite as the active substance. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has received a request to authorise XyRex® formulations for use in refrigerated seawater (RSW) tanks on board fishing vessels for pelagic fish caught for production of fish meal/fish oil for use in animal feed. The use of XyRex® formulations on fish for human consumption is not approved in Norway.

Veterinary Record, Nov 1, 2004

Osteochondrosis is reported in association with copper deficiency in young red deer and wapiti X ... more Osteochondrosis is reported in association with copper deficiency in young red deer and wapiti X red deer hybrids on eight deer farms throughout New Zealand. On two farms, more than 30% of fawns were affected. Affected animals were lame, often had one or more swollen joints, and in some cases had an abnormal "bunny-hopping" gait or "cow-hocked" stance. Lesions were most common in the carpal, tarsal, stifle and hip joints, and were usually bilateral. Defects in articular cartilage ranged from loose flaps to complete separation with exposure of subchondral bone and the presence of cartilage fragments within the joint space. In advanced cases, the joints had features of degenerative arthropathy. Bilateral epiphyseolysis of the femoral head was observed in some severely lame deer. All deer with osteochondrosis had low serum and/or liver copper concentrations.

93, 2014

Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee or as external experts, do ... more Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee or as external experts, do this by virtue of their scientific expertise, not as representatives for their employers. The Civil Services Act instructions on legal competence apply for all work prepared by VKM.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Jun 1, 1995

Rats were exposed in utero and through mother's milk either to the coplanar PCB congener 3,3',4,4... more Rats were exposed in utero and through mother's milk either to the coplanar PCB congener 3,3',4,4',5-CB (IUPAC no. 126) or to the mono-ortho-substituted PCB congener 2,3',4,4',5-CB (IUPAC no. 118). The different groups of mothers were exposed to 1 and 5 mg/kg body weight of PCB 118, and 2 pg/kg b.w. of PCB 126 every second day from day 10 to day 20 of gestation. The exposure did not affect the body weight of the dams or the size, weight, sex ratio, or physical development of the offspring. Operant behavioral testing revealed that the PCB-exposed offspring showed both poorer visual discrimination and higher activity level than did the controls. The coplanar PCB 126 congener was the most potent treatment. These results show that both PCB 118 and PCB 126 produced significant neurotoxic effects in the offspring of exposed females in absence of clinical maternotoxic and fetotoxic effects.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Apr 9, 2002

ABSTRACT The secondary metabolites of 24 isolates of Fusarium avenaceum from Norwegian cereals an... more ABSTRACT The secondary metabolites of 24 isolates of Fusarium avenaceum from Norwegian cereals and grown on rice have been characterized. Moniliformin (MON), enniatins (ENNs), and beauvericin (BEA) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK15, American Type Culture Collection) were used to study the cytotoxicity of MON in the extracts. The following metabolites were produced by all isolates, ranked by concentration in rice cultures: ENN-B, MON, ENN-B1, and ENN-A. BEA was produced by eight isolates. The productions of BEA and ENN-A were significantly correlated, as was the case with ENN-B and ENN-B1. MON production was correlated neither to any of the other toxins nor to toxicity.

66, Oct 5, 2006

BioProtein® (BP) is a trademark for single cell (bacteria) protein, based on conversion of methan... more BioProtein® (BP) is a trademark for single cell (bacteria) protein, based on conversion of methane, with the addition of ammonia and oxygen, to a protein source. BP is produced by Norferm AS in Norway, and has been authorized by the EU as a protein source in animal feeds since 1995, for fattening pigs (8%), calves (8%) and salmon (19-33%). Significant immune effects were revealed in a toxicity study performed in rats fed a nucleic acid reduced BP product (NABP) and thereafter, similar, but less severe effects were also found after feeding with untreated BP. Additional studies confirmed increased mesenteric lymph node weights in cats and foxes. Due to the undesirable effects and also due to applications for extended use, BP has been assessed by the Scientific Committee on Animal Nutrition (SCAN) and EU's Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1995, by SCAN in 2001 and 2003 and by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2005. The EU memberstates United Kingdom, France and Finland have also conducted assessments. The EU approval from 1995 remains unchanged. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority requested the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) to assess the risk of using BP as a protein source in feedingstuffs, both for the animal categories already authorized and for extended use to pet animals, chickens and pigs from weaning to slaughter. The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety was asked to consider all existing documentation. Based on all documentation enclosed with the request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and published scientific articels, an opinion on the safety of BP assessed by the VKM panel on Animal Feed was published on 20 March 2006 (05/608-final-rev1). The Producer made a complaint regarding this opinion and claimed that not all documents on BP had been evaluated. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority then requested VKM to revise its opinion on the risk of using BP as a protein source in feedingstuffs, based on 17 documents previously not available to VKM, in addition to the 20 documents included in the opinion published on 20 March 2006. BP is composed of a protein with a somewhat different amino acid compostion compared with fish meal, but BP and fish meal have more similarities in amino acid content than Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety 1 VKM Report 2006: 43 brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by Brage IMR 05/608-revised version-final soybean meal. BP has relatively high level of nucleic acids, phospholipids, lipopolysaccarides and minerals. Effect studies with BP have been conducted in rats/mice, pigs, chicken, cats, foxes, and salmon. Most of the concern regarding the side effects of BP in feed is related to the immune response. The main findings include changes in weight and morphology of mesenteric lymph nodes, followed by induction of specific antibodies. Histopathological examination after feeding with NABP also revealed changes in the intestines and several internal organs indicating systemic effects. The Producer claims that the immune response seen in BP-fed mice/rats is most likely a normal response to ingestion of large doses of a foreign antigen, and further, that oral tolerance towards this protein is induced over time. However, these interpretations are not adequately supported by the supplied documentation. A tendency towards adaption might be indicated in some of the studies, other results argue against tolerance induction.

TemaNord, Jan 5, 2023

The Norwegian Environmental Agency took the initiative to and has been the project leader for thi... more The Norwegian Environmental Agency took the initiative to and has been the project leader for this report. It was funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Nordic Working Group for Chemicals, Environment, and Health. At the time of initiating this project, other projects related to alpha-chloralose (AC) poisoning was ongoing both at the Swedish University Animal Hospital, the Swedish National Veterinary Institute and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (2, 5,6). Knowledge from this work together with data from studies co-funded by the Nordic Council was compiled in a scienti ic publication in BMC Veterinary Research (1) with Ulrika Windahl as research manager. This publication is the main foundation to the present report. Terje Haraldsen and Hilde Andersen at the Norwegian Environment Agency has assembled this report in cooperation with the scientists who also contributed to the scienti ic article: Sweden (Collecting and submitting blood serum and questionnaires from Swedish cats. Coordinating and analysing blood serum and veterinarian/owner questionnaires from all countries):

Biological Trace Element Research

Conditions associated with selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E (VitE) deficiency are still being repor... more Conditions associated with selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E (VitE) deficiency are still being reported in high-yielding pigs fed the recommended amounts. Here, the dietary effects of Se source (sodium selenite, NaSe, 0.40 or 0.65 mg Se/kg; l-selenomethionine, SeMet, 0.19 or 0.44 mg Se/kg; a NaSe-SeMet mixture, SeMix, 0.44–0.46 mg Se/kg) and VitE concentration (27, 50–53 or 101 mg/kg) on the antioxidant status of finisher pigs were compared with those in pigs fed non-Se-supplemented diets (0.08–0.09 mg Se/kg). Compared to NaSe-enriched diets, SeMet-supplemented diets resulted in significantly (p < 0.0018) higher plasma concentrations of total Se (14–27%) and selenospecies (GPx3, SelP, SeAlb; 7–83%), significantly increased the total Se accumulation in skeletal muscles, myocardium, liver and brain (10–650%), and enhanced the VitE levels in plasma (15–74%) and tissues (8–33%) by the end of the 80-day trial, proving better Se distribution and retention in pigs fed organic Se. Injecting...

08-707-final 3 Contributors Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee... more 08-707-final 3 Contributors Persons working for VKM, either as appointed members of the Committee or as ad hoc experts, do this by virtue of their scientific expertise, not as representatives for their employers. The Civil Services Act instructions on legal competence apply for all work prepared by VKM. Acknowledgements The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has appointed an ad hoc group consisting of both VKM members and external experts to answer the request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. The members of the ad hoc group are acknowledged for their valuable work on this opinion. Ingrid Løvold Mostad (St. Olavs Hospital and NTNU, Trondheim) has participated at the ad hoc group meetings as an observer from the Norwegian National Council of Nutrition. The ad hoc group appreciates her valuble contribution to this evaluation.

Cereal Research Communications, 1997