Screening of Shrimp and Prawn Feeds as a Source of Prohibited Antibiotics

Abstract

Presence of antibiotics in farmed prawn and shrimp is a major concern in the export sector of Bangladesh. Due to detection of banned antibiotics, consignments were rejected by the foreign buyers. The study was undertaken to analyze commercial feeds to identify the existence of nitrofurans, chloramphenicol and tetracycline. Antibiotic tested data of collected samples revealed that nitrofuran and chloramphenicol antibiotics were found in shrimp feed, but for maximum samples the concentration was lesser in quantities. The study revealed that feeds were contaminated with nitrofuran metabolites SEM (semicarbazide). Cut-off level for SEM is 0.576 ppb, thus indicating its presence above acceptable limit in those two samples. Tetracycline was not detected in shrimp feed. Highest concentrations of SEM were found in CARE feed in Khulna region, which was 1.992 ppb and was also present in Aman feed, and concentration was 1.069 ppb. Other metabolites of nitrofuran AOZ, AHD and AMOZ were below cut-off level. Present study did not reveal any big concern regarding presence of antibiotic residue in shrimp feed; however, continuous monitoring is needed to reduce/prevent contamination of banned antibiotics in shrimp industry.