Performance of Cat-fish Fed Different Doses of Aflatoxin in the Diet

Four major aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) are direct contaminants of grains and finished feeds. Factors that increase the production of aflatoxins in feeds include environmental temperatures above 270C, humidity level greater than 62%, and moisture levels in the feeds above 14% (Magan and Lacey, 1988; Whitlow and Hagler Jr., 2002). The extent of contamination will vary with geographical location, feed storage practices ABSTRACT Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin known to frequently contaminate poorly stored foods/feeds. This study was carried out to investigate the performance of parameters of catfish fed 3 different doses of aflatoxins earlier determined from fish feeds. Simulated toxicity test using AFB1, (1000 μg/ml, 500μg/ ml, 250μg/ml) in feeding juvenile cat fish was conducted for 56 days. Catfishes were divided into 4 treatments according to aflatoxin dose (A=control, B=250μg/ml, C=500μg/ml, D=1000μg/ml). At the end of the experiment, body weight and biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results revealed that growth of aflatoxicosed fish was significantly different from control using analysis of variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p< 0.05. Protein, cholesterol, bilirubin, electrolytes and liver enzymes such as Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also significantly different from the control. Histopathological examination of liver sections revealed severe liver damage. There was gross oedema of the hepatocytes with increased inflammatory cells. This is the first report of simulated aflatoxin toxicity obtained from fish feeds sold in Nigeria. It is clear from the results that legislation for the control of aflatoxins in animal feed is now over due because of its attendant economic loss and potential health hazard. Routine surveillance is needed.