Abstract
We conducted a study to explore the effects of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in diets fed to juvenile Nile tilapia Tilapia nilotica (mean initial weight = 12.4 g). The basal diet contained 32% crude protein supplied by casein and gelatin (10.1%) and a crystalline L-amino acid mixture (21.9%). The total sulfur amino acid concentration of the basal diet was 0.5%, the methionine:cysteine ratio was 94:6, the choline concentration was 0.3%, and the linoleic acid concentration was 1.1–3.3%. Graded levels of PC were added at the expense of lipid to the basal diet, resulting in seven dietary treatments (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% of the dry diet). The graded additions of PC significantly affected the weight gain and feed efficiency of juvenile tilapia. The weight gain of fish fed 1.5% and 2.0% PC was significantly higher than that of fish fed lower concentrations, and the feed efficiency values were highest in fish fed 1.5% PC. While total liver lipid concentration and survival were not significantly affected by dietary PC, whole-body crude protein and lipid concentrations were significantly affected, although there were no clear trends in this regard. Therefore, based on weight gain and feed efficiency, we conclude that PC is a beneficial nutrient for tilapia and recommend that purified diets fed to juveniles include 1.5% PC.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.