Paulo Rodinei Soares Lopes

Use of adsorbent in diets containing aflatoxin for silver catfish fingerlings

The effects of aflatoxins and one adsorbent (Sodium and calcium aluminum silicate) on silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) fingerlings were evaluated in this study. Three hundred and sixty fish, with initial weight of 4 g, were raised in a thermo-regulated recirculation water system, during 90 days. Twelve treatments with four aflatoxin levels in diet (0, 150, 250 and 350 µg/kg), with and without adsorbents (0, 0.3 and 0.6%) were tested in three replications. The results showed that the negative effect of aflatoxins significantly reduced the growth and weight gain of fingerlings, proportionately to the increasing levels of aflatoxin in diet, with mortality occurrence. The adsorbent levels in diet did not diminish the effects of aflatoxin action on fish performance due to the low inclusion and also little acceptance of ration in relation to the product palatability. It is concluded that silver catfish fingerlings fed diets containing aflatoxin are susceptible to negative effects, with high losses in growth and weight gain.