Abstract

BARRAZA-GUARDADO, Ramón Héctor et al. The use of microalgae as partial constituents of growout feeds for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Biotecnia [online]. 2020, vol.22, n.1, pp.135-141.  Epub Aug 03, 2020. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v22i1.1161.

In the present study, the use of the microalgae Arthrospira sp., Chlorella sp., Isochrysis sp., and Nannochloropsis sp., as partial constituents in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), was evaluated in static tanks in a 53-day study, with a commercial diet containing 45% crude protein as a control treatment. Then, we replaced 25% of this diet with meals derived from each of the four microalgae species. Analysis of variance was employed to evaluate fish growth performance. Fish fed the diets with the microalgae Arthrospira sp. and Chlorella sp. had growth performance comparable to that of fish fed the control diet, as evaluated by growth parameters, such as final weight, weight gain, and percent weight gain, among others. In contrast, growth of fish receiving the microalgae Isochrysis sp. and Nannochloropsis sp. was significantly lower. Results of the present study indicate that the use of 25% of Arthrospira sp. and Chlorella sp. meals incorporated into the diet of O. niloticus does not compromise fish development, although there seems to be an opportunity for a further increment of the replacement level.

Keywords : Oreochromis niloticus; microalgae; balanced feed; Arthrospira sp.; Chlorella sp.; Nannochloropsis sp.; Isochrysis sp..