Impact of Fish Feed Formulated with Microalgae Biomass in Experimental Tanks with (Oreochromis Niloticus) Tilapia Culture

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate a fish feed developed in CIATEJ with little modification, which included algal biomass and vegetal protein. This product was tested at the laboratory scale and the pilot-scale upscaling was needed for use with impact assessment studies in real ambient conditions. This food has antioxidant capacity due to the inclusion of microalgae. Additionally, it is nutritionally balanced with plant-based protein sources, partially replacing fishmeal. The feed, compared to commercial feed, has a higher protein content (5%) and lower fat content (3%). Evaluating this feed was of great importance to corroborate its consumption, which can reduce oxidative stress, reduce water contamination, and improve the growth rate and quality of the meat in fish. FCR values of almost 1 were reported here, indicating the more efficient utilization of formulated feed by Oreochromis niloticus. The main component of tilapia meat was moisture 74.31%, followed by protein 14.44%, lipids 6.24%, carbohydrates 0.10%, fibre 1.39%, and ash 3.62%. in experimental feed. In our results in fish filate, we found a 12% increase in protein percentage and a 29% decrease in fat percentage compared to the commercial feed, as expected from the higher protein and lower fat formulated feed. The amount of protein increment in fish filet we achieved in 2 months, the experimental diets significantly influenced the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids at 2.4% while saturated fatty acids were 1.3%. Omega 6 and Omega 9 were 2.33% and 1.73% respectively. The polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio was also higher.