Growth and modifications in the liver and carcass of jundiá fingerlings fed diets containing aflatoxins

The objective of this study was to evaluate the aflatoxins effects on the growth of jundiá fingerlings (Rhamdia quelen), and its deposition on the tissue of fishes fed with diets containing different concentrations of the micotoxin. A total of 960 fingerlings were used in two experiments, the first with 45 days, and the second with 35 days. The experimental facilities were composed by a thermoregulated water reused system. In the first experiment, concentrations of 41, 90 and 204 ppb of aflatoxins kg-1 were tested. In the second experiment, 350, 757 and 1,177 ppb aflatoxins kg-1 were also evaluated. The following parameters were estimated: weight, total and standard length, dressing carcass, condition factor, weight gain, survival and aflatoxin deposition in the liver and carcass. In the first experiment, it was observed a decrease of weight and length in fish fed with 204 ppb aflatoxins kg-1. In the second experiment, significant difference in the tested variables did not occurred. For feed over 350 ppb kg-1, alterations in the liver and tissues occurred without compromising the growth for 35 days.