Blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner) carcass composition and haematology in relation to the female parent size under recirculated water conditions

Abstract

The relation between female parent size/age of Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner) and their offspring carcass composition and some haematological parameters was investigated. Blood parameters (glucose, triglycerides, albumin, cholesterol, total lipid, haematocrit, osmolarity), proximate carcass composition (crude protein, crude fat, moisture, ash), and total lipid content of liver were evaluated. No clear differences between populations could be reported regarding carcass composition. However, the offspring of the smallest/youngest female parent gave the highest crude protein and the lowest crude fat levels, while that of the largest/old female parent showed an opposite picture. Results obtained on blood parameters and liver lipid content were not clearly related to the female parent size/age, nor to the final body weight of the populations, despite the statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences observed for glucose, triglycerides and plasma and liver total lipids. It is concluded that more research is needed in order that a clear correlation between the female parent size/age and the investigated biochemical parameters of their progeny to be established.