Zootechnical performance, degree of steatosis and the genotoxic potential in yellowtail tetra Astyanax lacustris fed with different levels of L-carnitine

ABSTRACT L-carnitine perform a major role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are oxidized. It has been used animal diets to decrease fat and increase muscle protein. The aim of this study was evaluate zootechnical performance, degree steatosis liver, genotoxic potential Astyanax lacustris fed with different levels (LC). Yellowtail tetra juveniles (n = 140) were distributed 20 tanks 70 L, seven fish each, water recirculation system controlled temperature (27±0.1⁰C). treatments supplementation were: 0 (control), 250, 500, 750, 1000 mg LC per kg food. provided twice day for 60 days. results showed that did not affect (P>0.05) weight gain, survival, viscerosomatic index, liver hepatocytes normal appearance. However, use significant difference (P<0.05) cell alterations when compared control at concentrations above 500mg kg-1.