Impact of polyculture in aquaponics on the hemato-serological and health status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aquaponics is an innovative, eco-friendly, and sustainable food production system that combines hydroponic crop production with recirculating aquaculture. This study aimed to assess the haematological, biochemical, and health status of Nile tilapia and common carp in monoculture and polyculture systems. A total of 800 (Oreochromis niloticus) and (Cyprinus carpio) with an average body weight of 1.1± 0.2 g were used. The fish were divided into three groups: (I) contained Nile tilapia only (monoculture), (II) contained common carp only (monoculture), and (III) contained polycultured tilapia and carp. The results of the study revealed a decrease in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in monoculture tilapia blood, indicating significant differences when compared to polyculture tilapia blood. The biochemical parameters except total protein, glucose, and urea were significantly higher in the blood serum of polyculture carp compared to tilapia. Immunoglobulin variables and lysozyme activity were the same in the blood of fishes, confirming that Nile tilapia and common carp were still fit with a good immunological status under monoculture and polyculture in an aquaponic system. Conclusion: Nile tilapia and common carp cultivated in aquaponic systems (monoculture and polyculture) still fall within the normal range for haematology and biochemistry.