The objective of this study was to identify the toxigenic mycobiota and the occurrence of aflatoxins in shrimp feed products intended for shrimp cultivated in the coastal area of the state of Piauí, Brazil, in three farms ("A", "B" and "C"). The toxigenic capacity of the fungal species isolated was tested for aflatoxins (AF) and ochratoxin A production. The fungal counts of shrimp feed were similar for the "A" and "B" farms at all cultivation phases, collection sites, in closed and opened packages (1.33 to 2.66CFU g-1 log10 -1). The lowest fungal counts were found in feed from "C" farm (0.65CFU g-1 log10 -1) from closed packages. Thirty-four strains of Aspergillus were detected with a greater prevalence of A. flavus. Two strains produced B1, B2, G1 and G2 aflatoxins at concentrations from 0.39 to 0.42ng g-1; 0.18 to 0.27ng g-1; 1.78ng g-1 and 0.09ng g-1 respectively and were classified as atypical A. flavus. Two strains of A. niger aggregate were OTA producers. Fifteen samples (13.88%) presented AFB1 contamination at levels ranging from 0.25ng to 360ng g-1. This study demonstrates the presence of toxigenic fungi in shrimp feed used at different phases of cultivation and farms. Atypical strains of A. flavus were isolated which produced AF B1, B2, G1 and G2 in shrimp feeds. Only AFB1 was detected in the analyzed feed
Litopenaeus vannamei; feed storage; toxigenic fungi; mycotoxins; aflatoxin B1
