Effects of aflatoxin B1 on performance and health of tambaqui fingerlings (Colossoma macropomum)

Etelvina M C G Nunes,Raizza E E Pinheiro,Rodrigo M Calvet,Camila G Marinho,Joao B Lopes,María N B A Araripe,Verbena C Alves,Maria M G Pereira,Amilton P R Costa,Maria L X Azevedo,Airton M Conde Júnior,Lidiane S N Ramos,María C S Muratori,Carina M Pereyra

doi:10.1007/s40071-019-0220-2

Abstract

The detection of mycotoxins in feeds and their ingredients in aquaculture gained prominence due to losses caused in production and animal health, mainly the occurrence of aflatoxin (AFB1). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of AFB1 on the performance of tambaqui fingerlings (Colossoma macropomum). Four hundred tambaqui were used. Four different treatments were evaluated: treatment T1, considered as the control treatment (CT) with 3.84 μg kg−1; treatment T2, treatment T3 and treatment T4 with 500, 1000 and 2000 μg kg−1 of AFB1, respectively. The AFB1 of the samples (muscle, liver and kidney) was detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Four fingerlings from each treatment for histological analysis were examined. Moreover, the performance parameters (weight gain, feed conversion and feed intake) were studied. The levels of toxins used in T2, T3 and T4 represent a reduction in the growth of 14%, 35% and 45%, respectively. The T3 and T4 showed the lowest weight gain (78%) and the worst feed conversion. Aflatoxin B1 in muscle (3.28 μg kg−1) and kidneys (8.8 μg kg−1) in the T3, as well as liver (4.4 μg kg−1) and kidney (4.08 μg kg−1) in T4, was detected. Histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues of fingerlings were more pronounced in T3 and T4. Fingerlings that consume feed contaminated with AFB1 in concentrations higher than 500 μg kg−1 present decreases in growth, reduction in weight gain and feed intake with increased feed conversion. The consumption of feed contaminated with 1000 and 2000 μg kg−1 of AFB1 caused severe deterioration in the hepatic and renal tissues.

Highlights

Aquaculture continues to grow faster than other major food production sectors (FAO 2018)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin B1 on the performance of tambaqui fingerlings (Colossoma macropomum) simulating the appropriate management in fish farming
The environmental conditions were uniform between the treatments, and the measured parameters were within the values recommended by the water quality manual for aquaculture and by the current legislation

Summary

Introduction

Aquaculture continues to grow faster than other major food production sectors (FAO 2018). The tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum) is an Amazonian species cultivated in the Piauı state with a total production of 40 million of fingerlings in fish farming for producers (Ulrich Saint-Paul 2017). This increase in aquaculture production must be supported by a corresponding increase in the production of formulated diets for the cultured aquatic animals. The improvement in the formulation and preparation of diets for fish requires the detection of factors that negatively affect the quality of feed, to avoid production losses (Conroy 2000). The quality of food in the different production phases and animal health are essential factors to ensure good animal performance and avoid economic losses. Balanced rations should be carefully stored so that they can guarantee safe food that favors the growth of fish

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Results

Conclusion