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Managing Mycotoxins in Aquaculture Feed

If left unchecked, mycotoxins can affect fish growth as well as the quality of the seafood product

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As the cost of fish meal and oil continues to increase, U.S. aquaculture producers are adding more plant-based feed to their fish diets. While soybeans, rice and other plant proteins are a plentiful and comparatively cost-effective feed source, wet conditions at harvest, storage or shipment can be conducive to mold and mycotoxins. If left unchecked, mycotoxins can affect fish growth as well as the quality of the seafood product.

Fortunately, aquaculture producers have a tool to help them reduce moisture in feed, thus helping reduce mold growth.

Mold growth can lead to harmful mycotoxin production, and AB20®, a nutritional specialty product from Phibro Animal Health Corp., is a bentonite adsorbent that contains hydrated sodium and calcium aluminosilicates to help lower moisture in feed and improve feed quality by binding moisture.

“Mycotoxins are a natural contaminant, and some can be harmful to livestock and aquatic species alike,” says Paulo Rezende-Napier, product director for Phibro Animal Health Corp. “High moisture in raw materials can lead to mold concentrations which can, in turn, create mycotoxin challenges in feed.” ■

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