Experimental ochratoxicosis A in Nile tilapia and its amelioration by some feed additives.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) formation prevention is not usually available so counteracting strategies are urgent. This study investigated the toxic effects of OTA on Nile tilapia with trials to neutralize these effects by using some feed additives. Supplements used as one percent (Garlen Extra4, , Garlen Extra4 plus and a commercial mycotoxins binder, Fero Bind Pro) were added to 500 ppb/kg OTA-contaminated diet. Fish were fed at 3% body weight per day for 10 weeks. The clinical signs recorded in OTA - intoxicated positive control group were sluggish swimming and off food before death with reduction in survivability (53%) and growth performance. Several post-mortem lesions were in liver, kidneys and spleen. Serum levels of ALT, AST, creatinine and urea were significantly increased with reduction in total protein, albumin and globulin in ochratoxicated fish group compared to the negative control group. Concerning the pathological changes that have been noticed in ochratoxin treated fish were almost completely alleviated in examined tissues of fish that were fed on diet with Garlen Extra4 plus or and partially in fish that were fed on diet with Garlen Extra4 or Fero Bind Pro, respectively. Best detoxifying results were obtained by using 30 g/kg plus 0.1 g/kg Garlen Extra4 followed by , Garlen Extra4 then Fero Bind Pro as a commercial Mycotoxins binder. It could be concluded that inclusions of 30 g/kg plus 0.1 g/kg Garlen Extra4 in () diets could partially reduce OTA toxic effects.