Introduction
High mortality and poor growth in shrimp farming are often linked to mycotoxin exposure, particularly due to the increasing use of plant-based proteins. Fumonisins, commonly found in corn-based feed, can cause immunosuppression, hepatopancreatic damage, and muscle necrosis in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Previous studies suggest that anti-mycotoxin additives (AMA) can mitigate these effects and improve health and performance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial AMA in counteracting chronic low-level fumonisin toxicity.
Materials and Methods
The AMA was tested at four inclusion levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 g kg-1 feed) in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) during larval (20 days) and grow-out (90 days) stages. To simulate field conditions, diets were supplemented with 10% moldy corn meal, resulting in chronic low-level fumonisin contamination (46.6 µg kg-1), confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Health status was assessed through post-trial morphological examinations of the body and digestive organs, alongside the Hepatosomatic Index (HSI). Statistical significance was determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test.
A 14-day bacterial challenge was conducted to evaluate the AMA's effect on immune response. Shrimp were exposed to the median lethal dose (LD50) of Aeromonas hydrophila, and survival and cumulative mortality were recorded.
Results
Morphological assessment showed that AMA-treated shrimp maintained normal coloration and gut integrity, whereas control shrimp exhibited pallor and intestinal inflammation.The hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreased with increasing AMA inclusion, reaching optimal values at approximately 2–3 g kg-1. Histological analysis revealed normal hepatopancreatic structure in treated groups, in contrast to tissue damage and lipid accumulation in controls.
During the Aeromonas hydrophila bacterial challenge, AMA treatments delayed mortality onset and extended survival to 12 days, compared to 8.67 days in control groups (p < 0.05).
Discussion
Chronic low-level fumonisin exposure negatively affected shrimp health, as reflected by hepatopancreatic alterations, increased HSI, and reduced resistance to bacterial challenge. Dietary inclusion of the AMA mitigated these effects, improving tissue integrity, physiological condition, and survival under stress.
These benefits are likely explained by a multi-modal mechanism of action. Adsorbent materials such as bentonite can reduce mycotoxin bioavailability and have been associated with enhanced antioxidant activity and immune status (Kim et al., 2025). In parallel, phytogenic compounds derived from Curcuma longa and Silybum marianum have been shown to stimulate innate immune responses and reduce oxidative damage (Hasanthi et al., 2024). Additionally, postbiotic yeast components may contribute to improved redox balance and humoral immunity (Chotikachinda et al., 2008).
Conclusion
Dietary inclusion of the AMA effectively mitigated the negative effects of chronic low-level fumonisin exposure, improving hepatopancreatic health and resistance to bacterial challenge in Litopenaeus vannamei. The most consistent benefits were observed at 2 g kg-1, particularly during the grow-out phase. These results support the use of AMA as a practical nutritional strategy to enhance shrimp robustness under commercial farming conditions.
Acknowledgments
This work was funded by the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation (CDTI) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (Project IDI-20230474).
References
Chotikachinda, R., Lapjatupon, W., Chaisilapasung, S., Sangsue, D., & Tantikitti, C. (2008) Effect of inactive yeast cell wall on growth performance, survival rate and immune parameters in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Songklanakarin Journal of Science & Technology. 30 725-731. https://rdo.oia.psu.ac.th/sjstweb/journal/30-6/0125-3395-30-6-725-731.pdf
Hasanthi, M., Jo, S., Kim, H. S., Yun, K. S., Lee, Y., & Lee, K. J. (2024). Dietary supplementation of micelle silymarin enhances the antioxidant status, innate immunity, growth performance, resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, and gut morphology in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Animal Feed Science and Technology. 311, 115953. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840124000816
Kim, S., Jeong, S. M., Jung, H. M., Lee, S., Lee, S., & Han, H. S. (2025). Effects of Bentonite, Zeolite, and Illite as Dietary Supplements for Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Biology. 14 (12), 1691. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/12/1691