Effects of marine biofloc on the metabolism, hematology, and antioxidant capacity of juvenile red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fed commercial diets containing different protein levels
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol52-issue5-fulltext-3211
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects on the growth performance and physiological response (metabolism, hematology, and antioxidant capacity) of the juvenile hybrid red tilapia Oreochromis sp. (initial average weight of 2.82 ± 0.02 g) cultured in seawater with biofloc and fed commercial diets containing 25, 35 and 40% crude protein (P25, P35, and P40, respectively). After seven weeks of bioassay, fish fed P35 and P40 showed no significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate, and condition factor. The P35 and P40 treatments showed the highest values of growth performance (SGR of 4.85 and 4.43% d-1, respectively) compared to the P25 treatment (4.3% d-1). Otherwise, fish from P35 showed lower activities for metabolic enzymes (ASAT, ALAT, GK, FBPase, G6PD, and FAS) than P40, which suggests that in P35, there was a better use of energy and protein content in the diets. On the other hand, P35 presented values similar to P40 regarding oxidative damage to lipids in the intestinal (5.62 and 5.77 nmol g-1, respectively) and muscle (4.76 and 3.93 nmol g-1, respectively) tissues, but higher than P25 in the liver (1.21 nmol g-1). Finally, the P25 diet triggered a significant decrease in erythrocyte parameters, as well as total protein and albumin in the blood plasma of the fish. In conclusion, marine biofloc allows hybrid red tilapia juveniles to be fed commercial diets with 35% crude protein without compromising their productive performance, antioxidant system, and hematological parameters.