Studies on the use of mycotoxin binders as an effective strategy to mitigate mycotoxin contamination in aquafeed: A case study in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of mycotoxin binder (MTB) supplementation in the diets of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on growth performance, health and immune responses, nutrient utilization, gut health, and disease resistance. In the present study, the feed ingredients contained low levels of mycotoxin contamination, which were below the acceptable limit. The experimental diets included four different levels of MTB concentrations: 0 g/kg (Control), 1 g/kg (MTB1), 2 g/kg (MTB2), and 3 g/kg (MTB3). The results showed that the highest growth performance parameters were observed in fish fed MTB1 (P < 0.05). The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and total antioxidant status, were also increased by dietary MTB1 supplementation (P < 0.05). Similarly, feeding fish with MTB1 diet promoted the digestive enzyme activities (P < 0.05). When compared to the control group, fish fed the MTB1 diet displayed higher expression levels of GH, GHR2, IGF-I, IL-1 beta, and COX-2 (P < 0.05). The gut microbiota was influenced by dietary MTB1 supplementation. Fish challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae showed relative percent survival (RPS) values of 72.73 %, 63.64 %, and 22.73 % for the MTB1, MTB2, and MTB3 groups, respectively. Interestingly, the inclusion of MTBs in the diets contributed to an improvement in economic metrics, especially the revenue-to-cost ratios. Overall, it can be concluded that dietary MTB, especially at a concentration of 1 g/kg of diet, can modulate the growth performance of Nile tilapia, improve feed and nutrient utilization, enhance carcass traits, boost immune response, and improve economic efficiency.