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Dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) replacement enhances performance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

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Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) inclusion in experimental diets of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were prepared using a positive control diet (S0) and four basal diets with A. platensis at 30 % (S30), 45 % (S45), 60 % (S60), and 75 % (S75) inclusion levels. Experimental diets were randomly assigned to tanks (13.35 kg m−3) with initial body weight of 0.89 ± 0.02 g in triplicates. The results of the feeding trial demonstrated significantly improved (P < 0.05) growth performance and hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices of fish fed S30. Blood chemical profile also indicated desirable values in fish fed A. platensis diets as compared to fish fed S0. On the contrary, fish fed S75 exhibited significantly reduced fish growth. Blood chemical analysis showed significant difference (P < 0.05) in levels of plasma triglyceride. Results of the present work indicate that 30 % A. platensis inclusion is deemed the optimal level of dietary replacement for increased growth performance, improved feed utilization efficiency, and enhanced overall health status of Nile tilapia juveniles.

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Acknowledgments

S.F. Velasquez is grateful to the Department of Science and Technology-Accelerated Science and Technology Human Research and Development Program for the scholarship and funding. The research was partially funded by the University Research Council Grant (Grant No. 14-05) of the Ateneo de Manila University under Dr. J.A. Ragaza. Sincerest appreciations are credited to Mr. Edwin B. Palenzuela for constructing the recirculation setup used in the feeding trial and to Ms. Sherilyn T. Abarra for her assistance during the termination of the experiment.

Guidelines on the proper fish care and use were considered and followed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Q.C., 1108, Metro Manila, Philippines

    Stephanie F. Velasquez, Merab A. Chan, Rhea G. Abisado, Gian Carlo F. Maliwat & Janice A. Ragaza

  2. Institute of Aquaculture, University of the Philippines-Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

    Rex Ferdinand M. Traifalgar

  3. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center, Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

    Melchor M. Tayamen

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  1. Stephanie F. Velasquez
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Correspondence to Janice A. Ragaza.

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Velasquez, S.F., Chan, M.A., Abisado, R.G. et al. Dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) replacement enhances performance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). J Appl Phycol 28, 1023–1030 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-015-0661-y

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