Field Study on the Mycotoxin Binding Effects of Clay in Oreochromis niloticus Feeds and Their Impacts on the Performance as Well as the Health Status throughout the Culture Season

Abstract

Total aflatoxin and ochratoxin were detected in 3 naturally contaminated fish feed samples using immune-affinity method. The results revealed that the average levels of aflatoxins in the 3 examined samples were (15, 22 and ) respectively while the average levels of ochratoxins were (15, 6 and ). The results of determination of the effects of clay as a mycotoxin binder on the health status and performance of Oreochromis niloticus in comparing with a control group revealed that the survival rate in control group was 81% after the end of the culture season. The results also revealed that the survival rate in group 2 which received clay treated feed was 86%. The results of regular parasitological examination revealed the identification of trichodina as external protozoa in Oreochromis niloticus from both ponds but without manifestation of disease signs. The results of bacteriological examination revealed the isolation and identification of Pseudomonas flouresence from some moribund Oreochromis niloticus. Higher performance parameters were recorded in group 2 that received feeds treated with clay which reflected in the total production which reaches 1646.47 kg while in the control pond, the total production was1308.36 kg.