Using new adsorbent Georgian bentonite clay "Askangel" in trout feed

The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of bentonite clay of aluminosilicate origin (Askangel) from Georgia as a natural adsorbent of mycotoxins in aquaculture, specifically in trout feeding. The study was conducted on rainbow trout divided into three test groups, each receiving different percentages of Askangel (0.1%, 0.15%,0.2%) in their feed. A synthetic adsorbent was added at 0.1% to the control group’s feed. At the end of the experiment, the weight gain for fish was as follows: 205±0,62 g in the IV test group and 203±0,72 g in the III test group, 189±0,85 g in the II test group, and 175 ±0,83 g in the control group. Fish survival rates were 97% in the III and IV test groups, 95% in the II test group, and 92% in the control group. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 0.9-0.92 in the III and IV test groups, 1 in the II test group, and 1.1 in the control group. The adsorption rate of aflatoxin B1 reached 83-90% in the III and IV test groups, while T2/HT2 mycotoxin adsorption was 12.5-14%. In the II test group, the adsorption rate for B1 was 76.4%, and for T2/HT2 it was 10%. In the control group, the adsorption rates were 68.1% for B1 and 7.1% for T2/HT2. The results indicate that Askangel serves as an effective mycotoxin adsorbent, positively influencing the growth, health, and chemical composition of trout meat