Growth, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, blood biochemical parameters, and immune antioxidant indices of red tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus) reared in mixed cell and rectangular raceways

Abstract

In this study, growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, blood biochemical parameters, immune-antioxidant indices of red tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus), and water quality parameters were investigated in mixed cell (MCR) and rectangular raceways. Fish with an initial weight of 1 ± 0.03 g were reared in mixed cell and rectangular raceways at a density of 150 g/m3 and fed a commercial diet as a percentage of their body weight for 60 days. The MCR groups had significant improvements in water quality parameters and had higher final weight, specific growth rate, and lower feed conversion ratio compared to the rectangular raceway groups. The MCR groups also had higher ash content and lower body moisture content. In addition, the MCR groups had improved digestive enzyme activity and better fish health, with lower cortisol and glucose levels and higher antioxidant competence. These results suggest that MCR is a beneficial alternative to rectangular raceways in terms of water quality, growth performance, and fish health.