Performance Of Nile Tilapia Research Articles

Nutrients digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on oilseed meals with crude papain enzyme

AbstractIn this study, nutrients digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed on oilseed meals with crude papain enzyme were determined. A control diet (D1) of 30% crude protein (CP) was formulated using fishmeal (FM), soybean meal (SBM), canola meal (CM) and sunflower meal (SFM). The test diets were formulated with replacing 10% CP of FM by SBM (D2), CM (D3) and SFM (D4), respectively. Crude papain enzyme in powder form was incorporated at 0.06%. Digestibility trial was performed using chromium oxide as an inert marker. A feeding trial of 101 days was conducted using a 4 × 2 factorial design with 4 diets (D1, D2, D3 and D4) and 2 papain enzyme inclusion levels at 0.06% and 0% using 720 Nile tilapia fingerlings (7 ± 3 g). The fingerlings were randomly distributed into 8 groups of 3 replicates of 30 fingerlings per net hapa (2 × 1 × 1 m3). Fish were fed twice daily at 5% of their biomass at 10 am and 4 pm in two equal meals. Apparent digestibility coefficients increased (p < 0.05) on crude papain enzyme supplementation. There was increase in final body weight (47.32 ± 2.10 g) on 0.06% enzyme than without enzyme (0%) (46.17 ± 2.14 g) (p > 0.05). Irrespective of enzyme supplementation, fish fed FM‐based diet were larger (56.89 ± 1.37 g) (p < 0.05) than those fed on oilseed meals; SBM (45.59 ± 0.91 g), CM (43.89 ± 2.12 g) and SFM (40.59 ± 1.60 g). Based on the study, 0.06% crude papain enzyme inclusion increased nutrients digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia. Therefore, crude papain enzyme is recommended as a feed additive in Nile tilapia diets to promote growth. However, more research is recommended to determine optimum inclusion levels of crude papain enzyme in Nile tilapia diets.

Effects of Stocking Density on Production Performance of nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in grow-out Culture Cages

A 120-day cage grow-out production performance of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus was conducted in the Dakatia river, Echoli, Chandpur to identify an optimal stocking density. The three stocking densities were used at 30, 50, and 70 tilapia m-3 under three treatments with triplicate. The initial average weight of tilapia fingerlings at 32.31±9.59 g was stocked. Final weight, specific growth rate, and survival were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the 30 tilapia m-3 stocking density than those in the 50 and 70 tilapia m-3 stocking densities. The best food conversion ratio of 1.47 was found in the 30 tilapia m-3 stocking density and followed by 2.0 and 2.90 in the 50 and 70 tilapia m-3 stocking densities, respectively. The production was comparable (p > 0.05) between the 50 and 70 tilapia m-3 stocking densities; however, the net profit was higher (p < 0.05) in the 50 tilapia m-3 stocking density group compared to the two other stocking density groups. This study suggests a stocking of density at 50 tilapia m-3 to increase Nile Tilapia O. niloticus productivity in the riverine cage culture system. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (2): 239-250, 2022

Effects of different carbon sources on water quality, biofloc quality, and the productivity of Nile tilapia reared in biofloc-based ponds

Abstract The present study evaluated the effects of different carbohydrates materials used as carbon sources on water quality, biofloc quality, and growth and productive performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc (BFT)-based cement ponds (25 m x 10 m x 1.2 m; with 250 m3 volume). Nile tilapia fingerlings (44.9±1.9 g) were distributed into nine ponds at a density of 40 fish per 1 m3 (10000 fish/pond) to represent three treatments in triplicates. The control ponds received no carbon source addition; meanwhile sugarcane molasses (MO) and wheat flour (WF) were added to ponds. A commercial diet (30% crude protein) was offered to fish in each pond at levels of 3% and 2% of live body weight of fish in the control and BFT-based ponds, respectively, for 12 weeks. The amounts of feed were divided equally to three equal portions and offered to fish at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 h. The control ponds’ water was replaced by 50% every day with new water; meanwhile in MO and WF ponds, water loss via evaporation or leakage was compensated to reach the 1.0 m depth only. The pH value as well as unionized ammonia and nitrite levels, in the present study, were significantly lower, meanwhile nitrate and total suspended solids levels were significantly higher in MO and WF-treated ponds than the control one. The WF treatment resulted in significantly larger biofloc volume and higher total bacterial count compared to the MO treatment. The highest growth and production indices of Nile tilapia were observed in the BFT-based treatments as compared with the control group; particularly at the WF treatment followed by the MO treatment. In conclusion, the WF addition to cement fishponds is a more beneficial carbonaceous source for the efficient water quality, biofloc biomass, and growth and productivity of Nile tilapia reared in BFT-based system.

Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on the Stage Development and Production Performance of Nile Tilapia

Lack of understanding in selecting age-appropriate protein levels in the tilapia diet would result in low growth and productivity. Therefore, the effect of dietary protein levels on tilapia development and the productive potential of fry raised in concrete ponds according to the CRD experimental protocol was investigated using three treatments with four replications. Fifteen breeder fish/ponds with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 were fed with 15.5, 25, and 30% protein for 20 weeks. The water quality was monitored and the fish's mouth was tapped every 2 weeks. The results showed that feeding of 25% protein affected egg development at all stages (Zygote, Cleavage, Gastrula, Segmentation, Pharyngula, Hatching, Early larva, and Late larva) as well as production cost better than other feeds (p<0.05). Breeders fed 30% protein had a higher average weight, specific growth rate, condition factor, and feed efficiency but the lowest feed intake, feed rate, and feed conversion rate (p<0.05). A 25% protein diet provides adequate nutrition for hatching and fries production while keeping the pond water safe for their lives.

Anti-Nutritional Factors and Protein Dispersibility Index as Principal Quality Indicators for Soybean Meal in Diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT), a Meta-Analysis.

Simple SummarySoybean meal is an effective protein source in aquafeeds and is characterized by high protein content, high digestibility, reasonable price, and stable supply. The quality of soybean meal varies with factors such as seed genotype, soil type, planting area, processing conditions, storage conditions, etc. Differences in soybean meal quality may lead to differences in the production performances of animals. For this reason, we investigated the nutrient composition, anti-nutritional factors and physicochemical properties of different soybean meals produced on the same production line with soybeans from different origins, and compared the effects of different soybean meals on the physiological characteristics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT). This study identified key indicators that could distinguish the quality of soybean meals, and established a correlation model between quality indicators of soybean meal and the growth performance of Nile tilapia. These results are of great significance for evaluating the quality of soybean meals and promoting the efficient application of soybean meal in aquafeeds.Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important plant protein source in animal feed. This study investigated the characteristics of different SBMs, produced by soybeans from America and Brazil (SBM-A and SBM-B) in 2017–2021 under the same controlled conditions. The effects of different SBMs on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT) and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients and energy were studied. The results showed that protein dispersibility index (PDI), urease activity (UA), glycinin and fiber were the four primary key indicators for distinguishing the characteristics of the tested SBMs. The meta-analysis results suggested that UA, glycinin, and fiber showed a negative effect on the survival rate (SR) and weight gain rate (WGR) of the Nile tilapia, whereas β-conglycinin, PDI, and nitrogen solubility index (NSI) had a positive effect on the SR and WGR of the fish. The ADCs of dry matter, the gross energy, phosphorus, crude protein, valine (Val), lysine (Lys), histidine (His), serine (Ser), and glutamate (Glu) of the Diet-A group (SBM-A inclusion) were significantly higher than those in the Diet-B group (SBM-B inclusion) (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found in ADCs of macro-nutrients between the two SBMs (p > 0.05). Overall, PDI, UA, glycinin, and fiber were the main indicators reflecting the characteristics of the tested SBMs, and UA, glycinin, β-conglycinin, and PDI had the greatest impact on the growth performance of Nile tilapia in this study. PDI was a more sensitive indicator than NSI for representing the protein quality of SBM.

Inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase improves carbohydrate utilization in Nile tilapia by regulating PDK2/4-PDHE1α axis and insulin sensitivity.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs)-pyruvate dehydrogenase E1α subunit (PDHE1α) axis plays an important role in regulating glucose metabolism in mammals. However, the regulatory function of PDKs-PDHE1α axis in the glucose metabolism of fish is not well known. This study determined whether PDKs inhibition could enhance PDHE1α activity, and improve glucose catabolism in fish. Nile tilapia fingerlings (1.90 ± 0.11 g) were randomly divided into 4 treatments in triplicate (30 fish each) and fed control diet without dichloroacetate (DCA) (38% protein, 7% lipid and 45% corn starch) and the control diet supplemented with DCA, which inhibits PDKs through binding the allosteric sites, at 3.75 (DCA3.75), 7.50 (DCA7.50) and 11.25 g/kg (DCA11.25), for 6 wk. The results showed that DCA3.75, DCA7.50 and DCA11.25 significantly increased weight gain, carcass ratio and protein efficiency ratio (P < 0.05) and reduced feed efficiency (P < 0.05) of Nile tilapia. To investigate the effects of DCA on growth performance of Nile tilapia, we selected the lowest dose DCA3.75 for subsequent analysis. Nile tilapia fed on DCA3.75 significantly reduced the mesenteric fat index, serum and liver triglyceride concentration and total lipid content in whole fish, and down-regulated the expressions of genes related to lipogenesis (P < 0.05) compared to the control. The DCA3.75 treatment significantly improved glucose oxidative catabolism and glycogen synthesis in the liver, but significantly reduced the conversion of glucose to lipid (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the DCA3.75 treatment significantly decreased the PDK2/4 gene and protein expressions (P < 0.05), accordingly stimulated PDHE1α activity by decreasing the phosphorylated PDHE1α protein level. In addition, DCA3.75 treatment significantly increased the phosphorylated levels of key proteins involved in insulin signaling pathway and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (P < 0.05). Taken together, the present study demonstrates that PDK2/4 inhibition by using DCA promotes glucose utilization in Nile tilapia by activating PDHE1α and improving insulin sensitivity. Our study helps to understand the regulatory mechanism of glucose metabolism for improving dietary carbohydrate utilization in farmed fish.

Can dietary phytogenic mixture improve performance for growth, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and antioxidant and related gene expressions of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus?

The form of dietary phytogenic inclusion and its physiological causal mechanisms for growth promotion and immune stimulation in fish remain unknown. The study examined the effects of dietary phytogenic mixture extracted from lemon (Citrus limon), onion (Allium cepa), and garlic (Allium sativum) (LOG) on Nile tilapia performance, digestive enzymes, haemato-biochemical indices, oxidative stress, and associated gene expression for 70 days. In this experiment, diets were supplemented with 0, 10, 20, and 30 ml LOG kg−1 in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets and fed to tilapia with an average initial body weight (4.23 ± 0.09 g). Compared to the control diet, the dietary LOG at 20 ml kg−1 elicited the highest final body weight (FBW, 35.50 g fish−1), weight gain (WG, 31.2 g fish−1), specific growth rate (SGR, 3.02%, day fish−1), and survival rate (99.33%). Significant quadratic differences in chymotrypsin, trypsin, amylase, and lipase were shown with increasing LOG supplementation. There was a quadratic response in hematology parameters of fish with increasing LOG levels. Significant linear decreases in ALT, AST, cholesterol, and triglyceride were shown with the increased LOG inclusion in the diets. A polynomial correlation in total protein, albumin, and globulin was found under different inclusion levels of LOG while significant quadratic increases in SOD, CAT, and Gpx and significant quadratic decrease in MDA was found with increasing LOG supplementation. The IGM-2, SOD, and CAT gene expressions were quadratically improved; the highest relative expression was obtained by fish received 20 ml LOG kg−1 diet. Growth hormone gene expression was quadratically modulated in the liver and pituitary of fish fed diverse doses of dietary LOG compared with the control. The phytogenic of LOG at 20 ml kg−1 elicited the best tilapia performance and hematological indices, increased antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities, and gene expressions of growth, immunoglobulin and superoxide dismutase.

Influences of the alcoholic extract of Artemisia annua on gastrointestinal microbiota and performance of Nile tilapia

There is growing interest in strategies for manipulating the gut microbiota of fish for beneficial communities to increase growth, improve lipid metabolism, stimulate the immune response, and improve the physiological state of the gut. We investigated the effects of diets supplemented with an alcoholic extract of Artemisia annua (ae-Aa) on gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and intestinal morphology along with its effects on the growth performance of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Juveniles were fed with ae-Aa supplementation (0.00, 0.10, 0.25, and 0.50% in the diets) for 30 days. The different ae-Aa supply levels affected bacterial interactions, resulting in a more complex network and increasing the proportion of positive correlations between bacterial groups. The different amounts of ae-Aa caused variations in specific bacterial abundance. The phyla Fusobacteriota and Bacteroidota were dominant in the intestinal microbiota in all experimental groups. The abundance of bacteria belonging to Fusobacteriaceae, Stenotrophomonas, and Clostridium correlated positively with protein efficiency, specific growth rate, weight gain, and final weight, while the opposite was observed for Acinetobacter. Diets supplemented with 0.25 and 0.5% of ae-Aa increased (p < 0.05) perimeter, height, and thickness of villi, crypt depth, villus:crypt ratio, and number of goblet cells in the intestine of Nile tilapia compared to control group. Nile tilapia supplemented with ae-Aa at all levels improved growth performance (weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency rate; p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The weight gain was about 21% better in supplemented fish with ae-Aa than unsupplemented ones. The ae-Aa supplementation of Nile tilapia for 30 days modulated the GI microbiota communities providing variations in specific bacterial abundance, affecting the bacterial interactions, resulting in a more complex, stable, and connected network while changing their intestinal morphology and improving the performance of the fish.

Effects of selenium nanoparticle on the growth performance and nutritional quality in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Selenium is an important micronutrient that has antioxidant, growth potential, and reproduction enhancement abilities in various organisms. The aquaculture industry is a significant contributor towards meeting the dietary requirements of a majority of the global population, which further warrants developing novel approaches for enhancing the production of dietary fish. This study was performed to assess the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (1 gm in average weight and 2.75 cm in average length) upon nano-selenium (Se-Nps) supplementation. Nanoselenium was synthesized using high-energy ball milling (HEBM) using a 10-hour dry milling technique at 10:1 ball-to-powder ratio (BPR), size characterized by XRD and TEM, followed by mixing with basal feed in desired concentrations (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg) and administration to Nile tilapia fingerlings for 30 days, followed by the evaluation of growth performance parameters, fatty acid profile analysis using GC-MS, and nutritional quality index (NQI): [Thrombogenicity Index (IT), Atherogenicity Index (IA), n-3/n-6, n-6/n-3)]. Nile tilapia supplemented with 1 mg/kg Se-Nps showed improved growth performance (RGR: 1576.04%, SGR: 4.70%, and FCR: 1.91), demonstrated by higher survivability (> 95%), isometric growth (coefficient of allometry, b = 2.81), and higher weight gain compared to control (RGR: 680.41%, SGR: 3.42%, and FCR: 1.31), 0.5 mg/kg Se-Nps (RGR: 770.83%, SGR: 3.61%, and FCR: 1.18) and 2 mg/kg Se-Nps (RGR: 383.67%, SGR: 2.63%, and FCR: 1.22). The average length-weight relationship assessed as the condition factor (K) was highest in the 1 mg/kg Se-Nps group compared to others (p < 0.05). GC-MS analysis revealed that Nile tilapia supplemented with 1 mg/kg Se-Nps showed better meat quality, higher amount of n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid, high PUFA/SAFA ratios (1.35) and n-3/n-6 (0.33) ratios, with low atherogenicity index (0.36) and thrombogenic index (0.44), and relatively low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (3.00) compared to other groups. Overall, Se-Nps supplementation at 1 mg/kg enhanced the growth performance and meat quality in Nile tilapia, and therefore could be a potential growth-promoting micronutrient for aquaculture enhancement.

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, L.) larvae meal improves growth performance, feed efficiency and economic returns of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.) fry

AbstractInsects have been proposed as potential alternative animal protein sources to replace fishmeal (FM), which is expensive and has limited availability for fish feed formulation. However, studies on the effects of replacing FM with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSF‐L) on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry, water quality and economic benefits are currently limited. This study determined the effects of replacing 100% FM, 75% FM, 50% FM, 25% FM and 0% FM with cheap BSF‐L meal, hereafter referred to as BSF‐L0, BSF‐L25, BSF‐L50, BSF‐L75 and BSF‐L100 diets, respectively for rearing all‐male Nile tilapia fry produced by YY technology. The study further determined the optimum percentage of BSF‐L meal for maximum growth of Nile tilapia fry. A total of 2400 visually healthy Nile tilapia fry weighing 0.001 g were randomly stocked into 20 plastic tanks (120 fry per tank, four replicates per treatment) and fed the BSF‐L diets for 12 weeks. The BSF‐L75 diet increased significantly specific growth rate, total weight gain, Zihler's index of fry and nitrate in the culture water but reduced feed conversion ratio of diet and total suspended solids in the culture water (p &lt; 0.05). Feeding the Nile tilapia fry with BSF‐L50 diet increased significantly hepatosomatic index (p &lt; 0.05). The diets with BSF‐L75 and BSF‐L100 reduced significantly the incidence cost by 31.97% and 28.77% (p &lt; 0.05), and increased profit index by 3.97 and 3.44%, respectively. The optimum percentage of BSF‐L inclusion required for maximum growth performance of Nile tilapia fry was estimated as 81% to 84% based on polynomial analysis. Taken together, feeding Nile tilapia fry with diets containing 81% to 84% BSF‐L meal improved growth performance. The BSF‐L75 diet enhanced feed efficiency and had no deleterious effect on the liver and intestines. Meanwhile, it improved nitrate concentration for increased natural productivity. Incorporating 75% BSF‐L meal in diets for Nile tilapia fry reduced 30% of feed cost leading to 4% higher economic returns.

Ginseng, Tribulus Extracts and Pollen Grains Supplementation Improves Sexual State, Testes Redox Status, and Testicular Histology in Nile Tilapia Males.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of three natural antioxidants on sex hormone levels, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, and histological changes in the testes of male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 210 male Nile tilapia were distributed into seven treatments (three replicates for each) with an initial weight of 3.67 g fish−1. The fish were fed experimental diets (32% crude protein) without supplementation as control or supplemented with ginseng extract (GE; 0.2 and 0.4 g GE kg−1 diet), Tribulus terrestris extract (TT; 0.6 and 1.2 g TT kg−1 diet), and date palm pollen grains (DPPG; 3 and 6 g DPPG kg−1 diet) for 84 days. The results revealed a significant increase in the luteinizing hormone level with TT, DPPG, and GE supplementation increased the levels by 22.9%, 18.5%, and 17.6%, respectively. The testosterone level also increased significantly with TT1.2, GE0.4, TT0.6, and DPPG6 by 86.23%, 64.49%, 57.40%, and 24.62%, respectively. The antioxidant status in the testis homogenate showed a significant decrease in the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances when using different dietary substances. In addition, glutathione reduced contents, glutathione S-transferases, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities significantly increased with different dietary supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. The histological evaluation revealed normal histological features of the testes in all treatments with increasing active seminiferous tubules (%) in GE, TT, and DPPG supplemented groups, especially with the highest levels. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of GE, TT, and DPPG enhanced sex hormones level, redox status, and testis structure and could improve the male reproductive performance of Nile tilapia.

Preliminary assessment of a novel fermented wheat protein concentrate from a bio-distillation source as a dietary ingredient contribution for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A novel technologically advanced fermented wheat gluten and yeast sourced protein (FWPC) co-product utilising Saccharomyces cerevivisiae yeast was evaluated for juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The protein component of a semi-purified basal diet (control treatment) was incrementally replaced by Fermented Wheat Protein Concentrate (FWPC) at 10%, 20%, and 30% of total dietary protein to create a slope-assay response to the test ingredient compared to an ‘ideal protein’ essential amino acid EAA balanced source. After an 8-week feeding trial, tilapia fed 10% and 20% FWPC displayed similar performance to those fed the control FM based diet, while fish fed 30% FWPC gave the lowest growth performance (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Proximate composition analysis showed that body protein, lipid, ash, NFE and gross energy were unaffected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.05). Both plasma alanine aminotranferase (ALAT) and aspartate aminotranferase (ASAT) were measured as indicators of hepatic function in Nile tilapia. No effects were seen in ALAT and ASAT activities. Tilapia fed 30% FWPC showed reduced HSI (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Additionally, histological comparisons of liver and intestinal tissues gave no indication of impairment to health, but FWPC inclusion elevated the number of goblet cells present in the posterior intestine (P ≤ 0.05). Ultrastructure of microvilli height and density also increased significantly showing functional aspects of FWPC. This study reveals the potential benefits of utilising a potable alcohol derived FWPC on the growth and feed utilisation performance of Nile tilapia, with no apparent adverse impacts on general health and physiological status as determined by gut and liver function and related plasma metabolic status. The results are discussed in the context of a promising protein ingredients source for tropical fish aquaculture.

Partial defatted black solider larvae meal as a promising strategy to replace fish meal protein in diet for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Performance, expression of protein and fat transporters, and cytokines related genes and economic efficiency

Insect meal can be a promising nutrients source in aquafeed, replacing expensive, scarce or unsustainable foods however; molecular mechanisms behind its role on fish growth remain unknown. From this point, the impact of partial or total replacement of fish meal protein with defatted black soldier larvae meal (PD-BSLM) on Nile tilapia's performance, body composition, expression of genes related protein and fatty acids transporters and immunity and economic efficiency was evaluated. A total of 500 Nile tilapia (17.9 ± 0.3 g) was distributed into 4 groups: control fed basal diet with 10% fish meal; the other 3 groups were fed basal in which fish meal was replaced by 25, 50 and 100% of PD-BSLM for 12-weeks. The results described that dietary inclusion of PD-BSLM had no negative impact on Nile tilapia's growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein utilization and nutrient digestibility even after 100% replacement. Body fat content was significantly decreased with increasing PD-BSLM levels. Amino acids analysis of fish body showed that replacement of fish meal with 100% PD-BSLM has a slight change on its lysine content. Interestingly, lysozymes, IgM and nitric oxide levels were significantly enhanced in group fed PD-BSLM at 100% replacement level. Transcriptomics profile of genes encoding amino acids (SLC3A1-SLC6A19) and peptides transporters (SLC15a1a-SLC15a1b-SLC15a2) revealed no negative effect in response to PD-BSLM. Moreover, mRNA expression of genes controlling fat transportation and metabolism (FABP-2, PPAR-α and PPAR-β) was up-regulated in groups fed higher PD-BSLM levels. Remarkably, mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β gene TNF-α) was down-regulated and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) was up-regulated at higher PD-BSLM levels. Therefore, our study reported that replacement of fish meal with PD-BSLM up to 100% had a positive modulating effect on the expression of protein and fat transporters that can explain a non adversely affected growth performance of Nile tilapia. Besides, the higher inclusion levels of PD-BSLM can boost immunity of Nile tilapia as well as increased the economic efficiency.

Effect of mushroom (Pleurotus djamor var. roseus) meal as feed supplemented on the hematological responses and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mushroom meal supplementation, Pleurotus djamor var. roseus (Pd), on the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), on hematological parameters and growth performance for 60 days. Nile tilapia fingerlings (3.23 ± 0.19 g) were fed with three experimental diets based on the mushroom meal in different percentages: diet 0% control (MM0), diet 15% (MM15), diet 20% (MM20) and diet 25% (MM25). Blood samples from the fish of all treatments were collected at the start of the experiment (day 0), 30 and 60 days. The weight and size of the fish were determined every 15 days (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days). The results showed a significant dose-dependent increase in the levels of erythrocytes count and leukocytes count. The groups that showed significant differences in the basal value and the final control result were hematocrit, hemoglobin, and lymphocyte. An increase in lymphocytes proportion and a decrease in neutrophils were found, which was related to the immune response of fish fed the diet. The highest levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and low neutrophils were presented in the diet with 15 and 20% (P &lt; 0.05). The growth (weight gain and specific growth rate) of fish fed MM15 and MM20 of Pd in the diet was higher than the control group (P &gt; 0.05). Dietary supplementation (15 and 20%) improved hematological and defense blood cells, as well as the growth of tilapia.

A Comparison of the Beneficial Effects of Inorganic, Organic, and Elemental Nano-selenium on Nile Tilapia: Growth, Immunity, Oxidative Status, Gut Morphology, and Immune Gene Expression.

This study investigates the effects of different sources of selenium (inorganic (SSE), organic (OSE), and elemental nano-selenium (NSE)) on the performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). In total, 204 Nile tilapia fingerlings were randomly divided into 4 equal groups fed 1 of 4 diets: a control (adding no selenium) and 3 diets as selenium sources (1mg/kg diet), After a 65-day feeding trial, the growth performance parameters of Nile tilapia were significantly enhanced by dietary selenium supplementation (P < 0.05), with the highest values recorded in the OSE- and NSE-supplemented groups. The selenium-supplemented groups had the highest packed-cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell levels, with the highest values seen in the NSE-supplemented group (P < 0.05). Innate immune-related enzymes and immunoglobulin levels were significantly enhanced with selenium supplementation (P < 0.05); the NSE group demonstrated the highest significant levels of these enzyme activities (P < 0.05). In all selenium-supplemented groups, malondialdehyde levels were significantly and equally reduced (P < 0.05) compared with levels in the control. Bactericidal activity was only enhanced in the NSE group (P < 0.05) compared with other treatments. The expression of TNF-α and IL-Iβ genes was significantly upregulated in selenium-supplemented groups, with the highest expression in the OSE and NSE groups (P < 0.05). These findings support the importance of incorporating selenium in the diet of Nile tilapia. Furthermore, elementary nano-selenium is more effective than inorganic or organic selenium supplementation at improving Nile tilapia growth performance and overall health.

Nile tilapia production in polyculture with freshwater shrimp using an aquaponic system and biofloc technology

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Nile tilapia, freshwater shrimp, lettuce, and watercress in an aquaponic system used in conjunction with biofloc technology. Experimental units consisted of an aquaponic module comprising two containers, one to accommodate vegetables (500 L media-filled bed with gravel) and the other to stock fish and shrimps (1000 L rearing tank). The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with two treatments [an aquaponic system with clear water (ASCW) and an aquaponic system with biofloc technology (ASBFT)] and two blocks (periods). Each treatment had three replicates within each block, totaling six experimental units per block. The final weights of Nile tilapia (ASCW = 546.0 g; ASBFT: 565.0 g), freshwater shrimp (ASCW = 18.82 g; ASBFT: 18.44 g), and vegetable biomass (ASCW: 1.10 kg/m2 of lettuce and 1.57 kg/m2 of watercress; ASBFT: 0.94 kg/m2 of lettuce and 1.98 kg/m2 of watercress) did not differ significantly between the two treatments. Similarly, there were no significant differences between treatments with respect to other zootechnical performance variables of the evaluated organisms. There was, however, a greater (P < 0.05) accumulation of fat in the fillets of Nile tilapia reared in the ASBFT system (0.97%) than in those of fish reared in the ASCW system (0.76%), as well as a lower oscillation of nitrite levels. Therefore, the use of biofloc technology in conjunction with aquaponics facilitated the maintenance of zootechnical performance and contributed to an increase in the fat content of Nile tilapia fillets and better control of nitrite production.

Impact of early-life rearing history on gut microbiome succession and performance of Nile tilapia

BackgroundFish gut microbial colonisation starts during larval stage and plays an important role in host’s growth and health. To what extent first colonisation could influence the gut microbiome succession and growth in later life remains unknown. In this study, Nile tilapia embryos were incubated in two different environments, a flow-through system (FTS) and a biofloc system (BFS); hatched larvae were subsequently cultured in the systems for 14 days of feeding (dof). Fish were then transferred to one common recirculating aquaculture system (RAS1, common garden, 15–62 dof), followed by a growth trial in another RAS (RAS2, growth trial, 63–105 dof). In RAS2, fish were fed with two types of diet, differing in non-starch polysaccharide content. Our aim was to test the effect of rearing environment on the gut microbiome development, nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Nile tilapia during post-larvae stages.ResultsLarvae cultured in the BFS showed better growth and different gut microbiome, compared to FTS. After the common garden, the gut microbiome still showed differences in species composition, while body weight was similar. Long-term effects of early life rearing history on fish gut microbiome composition, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen and energy balances were not observed. Still, BFS-reared fish had more gut microbial interactions than FTS-reared fish. A temporal effect was observed in gut microbiome succession during fish development, although a distinct number of core microbiome remained present throughout the experimental period.ConclusionOur results indicated that the legacy effect of first microbial colonisation of the fish gut gradually disappeared during host development, with no differences in gut microbiome composition and growth performance observed in later life after culture in a common environment. However, early life exposure of larvae to biofloc consistently increased the microbial interactions in the gut of juvenile Nile tilapia and might possibly benefit gut health.

Dietary Zinc in Association with Vitamin E Promotes Growth Performance of Nile Tilapia.

Zinc (Zn) and vitamin E (VE) are essential micro-nutrients that contribute a pivotal role in the physiology and nutrition of fish. An experiment was designed to know the effects of Zn and VE addition in the diet on growth and feed utilization in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four diets containing Zn (80mg/kg), VE (50mg/kg), Zn (80mg/kg) + VE (50mg/kg), and without Zn and VE (control) were fed to Nile tilapia in aquaria with triplicate groups for 6weeks. Survival, growth parameters (weight gain, WG; %WG; specific growth rate, SGR), and feed utilization (protein efficiency ratio, PER; feed conversion ratio, FCR) were calculated at the end of the feeding trial. Several hemato-biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, Hb; red blood cell, RBC; white blood cell, WBC, and glucose) and morphology of muscle were analyzed. The growth parameters (WG, %WG, and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR and PER) improved significantly in the fish fed with Zn, VE, and Zn + VE supplemented diets. There was no significant change in the values of Hb, RBC, WBC, and glucose level among different groups. Significantly improved diameter of muscle fiber, reduced distance between muscle fiber, and increased number of the nucleus and hyperplastic muscle fiber were observed in the fish fed with Zn, VE, and Zn + VE supplemented diets. These results suggested that Zn and VE can be effectively incorporated into the diets of Nile tilapia for better growth with maximum feed utilization.

Optimization of stocking density for mono-sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production in riverine cage culture in Bangladesh

Determining a suitable stocking density of fish for an ambient condition is very important for economic benefit in cage aquaculture, which is not yet tested for many species in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Therefore, current research was conducted in order to explore the effect of various stocking densities on growth and production performances of mono-sex Nile tilapia cage aquaculture in an open running water body, the Gurukchi River. Considering maximizing economic benefit, it is the first instance of such research in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. In the three treatments (T1, T2, and T3), fingerlings were stocked at 40, 60 and 80 fish/m3, respectively with initial weights of 39.51 ± 0.91, 39.61 ± 0.71 and 38.54 ± 0.57g, respectively. Fish were fed with commercial floating pellet feed at 8-4% of their body weight. The results showed that growth performance of Nile tilapia significantly decreased with increasing stocking density. The mean total yields were 13.25 ± 0.48, 18.43 ± 0.88 and 22.76 ± 0.63 kg/m3 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, which showed significant variations (p < 0.05) among treatments. The benefit-cost ratio analysis revealed that T1 (1.512 ± 0.022) and T2 (1.499 ± 0.063) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than T3 (1.191 ± 0.071), with no significant differences observed between T1 and T2. Notably, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) net profit was observed in T2 than in T1 and T3. Overall, 60 fish/m3 stocking density was the best stocking density for commercial cage aquaculture of tilapia in a riverine environment of the north-eastern Bangladesh.

Effects of fertilizar on growth performance of tilapia and shing in rice cum-fish culture

Field experiments demonstrated that rice-fish farming indeed increased the productivity of rice field and help to achieve ecological, economical, and social benefits. An experiment was accompanied in the rice field plots to ascertain the felicitous fertilization effects on the growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis) cultured in the rice fish farming system. Each treatment of fish species cultured with different doses of fertilizer such as T1 control: without any fertilization; T2 with 10 kg/decimal compost and T3 with 100% recommended fertilizer: Urea 100g, TSP 100g, MOP 50g, MOK100g/decimal respectively for fish culture. Current study showed a direct relationship between nutrient supplies and yielding of rice; increasing nutrient supply highlighting an increase of yielding fish. These indicated significantly greater fish yield at treatment T3 followed by treatment T2 and T1 in Shing with rice culture. Concerning Tilapia with rice culture, the same occurrence was observed. The gross production of Tilapia were found 5.04 ± 2.66, 8.65 ± 2.42 and 12.02 ± 1.45 kg/decimal in T1, T2 and T3, respectively and gross production of Shing were found 3.06± 1.76, 6.17 ± 1.84 and 8.83 ± 2.88 kg/decimal in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. During the experimental period the ranges of water temperature were (27.26 to 31.22 °C), dissolved oxygen (5.66 to 7.20 mg/L), pH (7.25 to 7.65 mg/L), total alkalinity (148.00 to 176.00 mg/L), free CO2 were (1.40 to 3.00) mg/L and found within the productive limit and more or less similar in all the plots under the T1, T2 and T3. The outcome in T3 provided the maximum yields amongst all treatments, followed by treatments T2 and T1 representing that the fertilizer is the furthermost suitable nutrient input regime aimed at the rice- fish integrated culture scheme. The results of the study revealed that polyculture of tilapia and Shing could be practiced in rice field.