Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research

Effects of alternative protein blends on oreochromis niloticus (nile tilapia) fingerlings growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass composition

Ronke Edem^* Department of Fisheries Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria
^*Correspondence: Ronke Edem, Department of Fisheries Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria, Email:

Received: Aug 30, 2022, Manuscript No. JAEFR-22-71898; Editor assigned: Sep 01, 2022, Pre QC No. JAEFR-22-71898 (PQ); Reviewed: Sep 15, 2022, QC No. JAEFR-22-71898; Revised: Sep 20, 2022, Manuscript No. JAEFR-22-71898 (Q); Published: Sep 27, 2022, DOI: 10.3153/JAEFR.8.9.001

Citation: Ronke Edem. Effects of alternative protein blends on oreochromis niloticus (nile tilapia) fingerlings’ growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass composition. J Aquacult Eng Fish Res 2022; 8(9)

Keywords

Protein blends, Oreochromis niloticus, Gliricidia, Moringa

Introduction

In order to meet demand, an additional 23 million tonnes of aquatic food would need to be produced globally [1]. Rising consumer demand for fish products has resulted in overfishing of small pelagic fish stocks and a decrease in wild fish catches, which has usually raised the cost of these items and resulted in subpar quality Veldkamp and Bosch [2]. Fishmeal is being employed in the formulation of fish feed to the tune of 10% of all fish caught worldwide this due to the nutritional makeup of fishmeal [3]. With limited access to cultivable fish species, aquaculture has increased fish supply in a number of nations and regions, typically at lower costs to offset better nutrition and food security [4]. However, the aquaculture industry faces a challenge to its growth and sustainability due to the unsustainable use of fishmeal for fish feed [1]. The production cost would be reduced if cheap plant sources were used in place of the pricey fish meal, thereby increasing profit [5]. However, before using a novel protein source in aqua feeds, it should be evaluated on several fish species since their reactions to anti-nutrients, which are plant components that hinder the body's capacity to absorb vital nutrients varies [6]. Compared to fishmeal, leave meal contains fewer amino acid components; however, this could be increased by supplementing with pure amino acids. Due to the high cost and accessibility of such additives, this is not economically feasible for fish farmers in rural areas [7]. Making meals with mixtures of various protein sources with complementary amino acid profiles is a useful strategy for raising the quality of protein [8,9].

The Moringa plant, Moringa oleifera, is a member of the Moringaceae family. Its fresh leaves, often known as "drumsticks," are very nutritious, especially when used as a supplement for fish that consume plants, like tilapia, barbs, and fancy carps. Because they are high in proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, the aquaculture feed business frequently uses the leaves, kernels, and pods of these plants [10]. According to Idowu, et al. and Stevens, et al., the leaves contain 26.94% crude protein [11,12]. Stevens, et al. reported 25.74% [12]. The amount of anti-nutrients in the leaves' dry matter is low because they are not known to have any negative effects on animals. These anti-nutrients include saponins, phytate, and oxalate [12]. When compared to fresh leaves, tannins can be reduced by 15%-30% through drying, fermenting, and silaging processes. African catfish and Nile tilapia both responded favorably to Moringa at inclusion levels of 10%-15% [13-15].

Quick stick, fast-growing Fabaceae family member Gliricidia sepium is a small to medium-sized browsing plant that is frequently utilized as intercropping, green manure, cattle feed and live fence [16]. On a dry matter basis, Gliricidia sepium leaves have a crude protein content of 20%-30% and a crude fiber content of 15%, it is a good source of protein for fish diets as a result [17]. Although the leaves are nutrient-rich, they also contain significant amounts of anti-nutrients such tannins, alkaloids, saponins, phytic and oxalic acids [18]. Methionine supplements in the diet have been shown to reduce the negative effects of antinutrients in fish by deactivating the saponin in the food and thereby improving the nutritional composition [18]. It has been reported to have a positive impact on African catfish, Cirrhinus mrigala and Nile Tilapia [14,19,20].

Therefore, this research work was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass composition of Nile Tilapia fed different blends of plants (Moringa and Gliricidia leaf meals) protein sources as diets to supplement fishmeal. There by, enhancing fish production and overcome the problem with the relatively expensive fish meal, affording small scale farmers the ability to raise fish at low cost without compromising quality.

Materials and Methods

Experimental location

The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Fisheries Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo state, Nigeria.

Preparation of and Gliricidia leaves

Leaves of Moringa oleifera and Gliricidia sepium were collected, cleaned, and spread out on plastic sheets in the shade to dry within the experimental setting. The dried leaves were separated from the stalks and ground in a hammer mill to a fine powder (Lab Mill, screen size 0.2 mm). Proximate analysis of the leaf meal samples was done as described by AOAC [21].

Diet formulation

Five iso-nitrogenous diets containing 30% crude protein were formulated. Blends of diets were prepared using fishmeal in combination with soybean meal (FMS), Moringa (FMM), Gliricidia (FMG), with soybean meal/ Moringa (FSM) and Soybean Meal/Gliricidia (FSG) using the trial and error method. The feed constituted yellow maize, fish meal, soybean, salt, bone meal, vegetable oil and vitamin premix. The ingredients were thoroughly mixed together with corn starch and extruded through a 2 mm die (Moulinex-HV8) mincer, which was then sundried on raised platforms until dry and put into plastic bags. Table 1 shows the gross composition of the experimental diets.

Feeding trial

150 fingerlings of O. niloticus weighing (2.8 g-3.0 g) were used for the trial. Fish were acclimated to experimental conditions and fed commercial diet for 7 days. 10 fish were randomly weighed and distributed into each of 15 plastic tanks (60 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm), each representing 5 treatments in triplicates. The fish were fed experimental diets twice daily at 5% body weight between 8 hour to 9 hour and 16 hour to 17 hour daily for 70 days. Complete water renewal was done twice a week to maintain optimal water quality conditions. Mortality was checked daily, while the weight and feed intake were adjusted bi-weekly for the 70 days period.

Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration) were measured daily using a Yieryi multi-parameter digital water quality tester.

Growth Parameters were assessed using the following formulas.

Feed samples and fish carcass were analyzed for proximate composition using AOAC methods [12]. Data obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error (S.E) and subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatment means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, using the SPSS version 22. Statistical significance difference was set at P<0.05.

Results

The result of the proximate composition of the experimental diets is presented in Figure 1 below. The highest ash content of 10.82 was recorded in diet FMG and diet containing FSG gave the lowest value of 9.28. The highest value of fat (11.36) was in the control diet and the lowest was recorded in diet containing FMM. The crude protein ranged between 29.64-31.75, with the highest value of 31.75 in diet FSM and the lowest value of 29.64 in diet FSG, the Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) were between 39.72-43.06.

Water quality parameters

The temperature in the experimental tanks ranged from 25.89°C to 26.50°C, there were no significant differences among the treatments. The pH ranged from 7.07 to 7.17, there was no significant difference among the treatments. The dissolved oxygen ranged from 5.08 mg/L to 5.25 mg/L and was within the range permissible for the culture of tilapias.

Growth performance and nutrient utilization

The growth performance and nutrient utilization of Oreochromis niloticus fed experimental diets is presented in Table 2 below. Fish fed diet FSM gave the highest weight gain of 38.63 g and the lowest value (33.53 g) was in fish fed diet FMG, this was significantly different (P<0.05) from the rest of the experimental fish. The mean weight gain in the study ranged between 3.35 g to 3.86 g, with fish fed diet FSM having the highest value of 3.86 ± 0.28, this value was significantly different (P<0.05) from the rest of the experimental fish. The fish fed diet FSM had the highest SGR value of 1.17 ± 0.06, with those fed diet FMG recording the lowest SGR (1.09 ± 0.04). There were no significant differences in the SGR of the experimental fish. The FCR ranged between 1.12 ± 0.01-1.23 ± 0.02, these were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other within the experimental units. The PER ranged between 0.97 ± 0.04 to 1.07 ± 0.01 and were not significantly different (P>0.05). Survival rate was 100% among the experimental units (Tables 2 and 3).

Carcass composition of experimental fish

The initial carcass Crude Protein (CP) level was lower than the levels found at the end of the feeding trial. The highest crude protein was obtained in fish fed FMM (54.24%), while fish fed diet FMG gave the lowest crude protein (50.25%). The percentage crude protein obtained in this study showed significant difference (P<0.05) between fish fed diet FMM and the rest of the diets. The ash content was highest in fish fed diet FSG (17.17) and least in diet fish that had diet FSM (13.13), the ash content of the experimental fish showed significant difference (P<0.05). The highest fat content obtained in fish fed diet FSG was (17.66), while the least was in fish fed diet FMS (12.73), fish fed diets FMG and FSM were significantly different (P<0.05) from each other. Figure 2 shows the carcass composition of the experimental fish.

Discussion

The growth performance and nutrient utilization of the experimental fish were not compromised; this indicates that the experimental diets were acceptable for O. niloticus fingerlings in this study. Studies have established the use of plant based protein sources as alternatives to fish meal in regards to their cheaper cost and availability [6,11,12]. The results of the current study, which reveal that O. niloticus fingerlings given the various protein blends gained weight, support the findings of Billah, et al., who found that Moringa supplementation enhanced growth in Clarias gariepinus [15]. The results of Vhanalakar and Muley, who employed Gliricidia to replace FM in Cirrhinus mrigala up to 40% without affecting growth, further support this impact [19].

There were similarities in the weight gain of fish fed the control diet (FMS), FMM and FSG, while fish on diet FMG gave a lower performance, this could be adduced to reduced feed intake due to low palatability resulting in reduced growth. It was observed that fish fed blends of fishmeal/ Moringa performed better than those fed the blends of fishmeal/gliricidia. This scenario is in tandem with the works of Billah, et al., whose report showed that fishmeal supplementation with Moringa improved the growth of Nile Tilapia [15]. This was in contrast to the findings reported by Tiiniub, et al., who found that performance was negatively impacted by feeding all male tilapia a Moringa feed supplement [22]. The best results in this trial came from the partial replacement of fishmeal in the fish-fed diet FSM with soybean meal and Moringa leaf meal. This supports the findings of Adeshina, et al. and El-Gawad, et al., whose studies showed that adding Moringa to the diet of Cyprinus carpio and Nile tilapia significantly improved the performance of the fish as a whole [23,24].

According to our research, fish given mixtures of fishmeal/ Moringa and/or fishmeal/Gliricidia didn't grow as much as those fed blends that also contained soybean. Observing a lower growth rate in Clarias gariepinus fed Moringa leaf meal at inclusion levels higher than 15%, Gbadamosi and Osunbamiro hypothesized that larger substitutions of fishmeal had an effect on fish performance due to the presence of anti-nutrients [25]. This might be enhanced by combining different protein blends, which, in accordance with Djissou, et al. [9]. Could be related to the synergy between the various protein sources in the diets complementing one another.

The nutrient utilization markers were in line with what was previously reported for Nile tilapia culture, and the FCR of the experimental diets were generally low and comparable. The fact that the FCR obtained in this study is lower than that of Nadia, et al., who supplemented fishmeal with Moringa leaf powder, suggests that the fish made good use of the feeds. This study's SGR is consistent with Bello and Nzeh's findings indicating the protein sparing impact improves growth performance and nutrient utilization [26]. Makori, et al., reported a higher SGR (3.7%-4.4%) than the current study when Nile Tilapia was fed commercial diets [27]. The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) values of fish fed experimental diets were comparable between the experimental fish, this is an indication that the dietary protein were similar and effectively used [28,29].

Conclusion

The experimental diets improved fish body composition as several studies have similarly reported variations in fish carcass composition between the initial and final stages that were seen in the current study. When Moringa was fed to Cyprinus carpio, they had better body compositions, as reported by Adeshina, et al. Fish fed diet FMG showed a noticeably reduced protein carcass composition. The carcass's moisture levels fell within the range that was suggested for enhancing the fish's quality and shelf life. There was no correlation between the carcass fat composition and the amount of protein in the diet. In contrast, claimed that the amount of dietary lipids in tilapia showed a favorable connection with carcass lipid content. Survival results demonstrated that Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings thrived under the study's culture conditions.

The findings of this study suggest that the use of alternative protein sources had favorable impact on Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) performance, utilization and carcass characteristics. This shows that plant protein blends can completely replace fishmeal without having any harmful effects on the wellbeing of the fish. According to this findings, a diet rich in FSM seems to be the best choice for successfully raising tilapia fingerlings.

Acknowledgement

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology at the Federal University of Technology and Federal College of Agriculture in Akure, Nigeria, is gratefully acknowledged by the authors for allowing the study to be conducted there.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares there is no conflict of interest in publishing this article.

References

1. Magalhaes R, Sanchez-Lopez A, Silva LR, et al. Black soldier ?y (Hermetia illucens) pre-pupae meal as a ?sh meal replacement in diets for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Aquac. 2017; 476:79–85.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

2. Veldkamp T, Bosch G. Insects: A protein-rich feed ingredient in pig and poultry diets. Anim Front. 2015; 5(2):45–50.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

3. FAO. FAO’s statistical databases and the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture statistics. Marine Policy. 2017; 81:401-405.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Research Gate]

4. FAO. Fisheries department publications. Publications pages. In: FAO fisheries and aquaculture department. Rome. FAO. 2020.

   [Crossref]

5. Nsofor CI, Igwilo IO, Avwemoya FE, et al. The effects of feeds formulated with moringa oleifera leaves on the growth of the african catfish, clarias gariepinus. RRBS. 2012; 6(4-5):121-126.
6. Torrecillas S, Mompel D, Caballero MJ, et al. Effect of fishmeal and fish oil replacement by vegetable meals and oils on gut health of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Aquac Res. 2017; 468(1):386-398.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

7. Liaqat I, Mukhtar B, Malik M, et al. Lysine supplementation in fish. Appl Biol Pharm. 2017; 11(3):55-61.

   [Google Scholar] [Research Gate]

8. Burr GS, Wolters WR, Barrows FT, et al. Replacing fishmeal with blends of alternative proteins on growth performance of rainbow trout (onchorhynchus mykiss) and early or late stage juvenile atlantic salmon (salmo salar). Aquac. 2012; 334-337(7):110-116.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

9. Djissou ASM, Adjahouinou DC, Koshio S, et al. Complete replacement of fishmeal by other animal protein sources on growth performance of clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Int Aquat Res. 2016; (8):333-341.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

10. Saini RK, Sivanesan I, Young-Soo K. Growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed moringa (moringa oleifera) seed meal. Biotechnol J. 2016; 6:203.

    [Crossref]

11. Idowu E, Adewumi A, Osoc J, et al. Effects of varying levels of moringa oleifera on growth performance and nutrient utilization of clarias gariepinus post-fingerlings. ASRJETS. 2017; 32(1):79-95.

    [Google Scholar]

12. Stevens CG, Ugese FD, Otitoju GT, et al. Proximate and anti-nutritional composition of leaves and seeds of moringa oleifera in Nigeria: A comparative study. J Agric Sci. 2015; 14(2):9.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

13. Elabd H, Soror EI. Dietary supplementation of moringa leaf meal for Nile tilapia oreochromis niloticus: Effect on growth and stress indices. Egypt J Aquat Res. 2019; 45(3): 265-271.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

14. Olopade OA, Lamidi AA, Ogungbesan MO. Effect of gliricidia sepium (Jacq) leaf meal supplemented with enzymes (Roxazyme® G2 and maxigrain®) on growth performance of clarias gariepinus burchell, 1822.                 Am J Exp Agric. 2015; 8(3): 152-158.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

15. Billah B, Haque E, Sarkar S, et al. Growth performance, hematological disorder and bacterial challenge on nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) using moringa oleifera plant leaf as feed supplement. Bangladesh J Zool. 2020; 48(1):151-166.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

16. Shuttle JM. Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.). FAO. 2015.

    [Google Scholar]

17. Ogungbesan AM, Akanji AM, Sule SO, et al. Maxigrain® enzyme supplementation effect on serological indices of african catfish clarias gariepinus fed gliricidia sepium leaf meal. Bang J Anim Sci. 2020; 49(1):37-44.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

18. Edoh JH, Annongu AA, Frederic MH, et al. The possible role of DL-Methionine in the detoxification of gliricidia leaf anti-nutrients in rabbit nutrition. WJARR. 2019; 9(3):6-12.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

19. Vhanalakar SA, Muley DV. Effect of dietary incorporation of gliricidia maculata leaf meal on growth and feed utilization of cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. GJSFR. 2014; 14(1): 47-49.

    [Google Scholar]

20. Adeparusi EO, Agbede JO. Evaluation of Leucaena and Gliricidia Leaf Protein Concentrate as Supplements to Bambara groundnut (Vignas subterranean) in the Diet of Oreochromis niloticus. Aquaculture nutrition. 2009; 12(2): 335-42.
21. AOAC. Association of official analytical chemists. Official methods of analysis. (15th ed.) Arlington, VA, USA. 2010.
22. Tiinub BM, Mpanga IK, Tiimob GL, et al. Effect of moringa oleifera feed supplements on all-male tilapia growth performance at tano–dumasi pilot aquaculture centre. EAS J Biotechnol Genet. 2020; 2(5): 67-83.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

23. Adeshina I, Sani RA, Adewale YA, et al. Effects of dietary moringa oleifera leaf meal as a replacement for soybean meal on growth, body composition and health status in cyprinus carpio juveniles. CJF. 2018; 76(4):174–182.

    [Google Scholar]

24. El-Gawad EAA, El-Asely AM, Soror EI, et al. Effect of dietary moringa oleifera leaf on the immune response and control of aeromonas hydrophila infection in nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) fry. Aquac Int. 2019; 28:389–402.

    [Crossref]

25. Gbadamosi OK, Osungbemiro NR. “Growth and nutritional performance of african catfish, clarias gariepinus (burchell, 1822) fed varying inclusion levels of dietary moringa oleifera leaf meal”. Livest Re Rural Dev. 2017; 28(11).
26. Bello NO, Nzeh GC. Effect of varying levels of moringa oleifera leaf meal diet on growth performance, haematological indices and biochemical enzymes of african catfish, clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Elixir Aquac. 2013; 57A:14459-14466.
27. Makori AJ, Abuom PO, Kapiyo R, et al. Effects of water physico-chemical parameters on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth in earthen ponds in teso north sub-county. JFAS. 2017; 20(1):1-10.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

28. Ahmad M, Qureshi TA, Singh AB, et al. Effect of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents on growth, feed efficiency and carcass composition of cyprinus carpio fingerlings. Int J Fish Aquat Sci. 2012; 4(3):30-40.

    [Google Scholar]

29. Mansour AT, Miao L, Espinosa C, et al. Effects of dietary inclusion of moringa oleifera leaves on growth and some systemic and mucosal immune parameters of seabream. Fish Physiol. Biochem. 2018; 44(4):1223–1240.

    [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]