Use of Arthrospira platensis as a Feed Additive to Improve Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Body Composition, and Immune Response of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Study was conducted to evaluate the potential application of the dried microalga <em>Arthrospira platensis </em>in <em>Oreochromis niloticus</em> diets as a replacement for fish meal protein. <em>A. platensis </em>was incorporated into fish diets at 0% (D1–control), 10% Diet2 (D2), 20% Diet3 (D3), and 30% Diet4 (D4) replacement of fish meal protein. The final weight gain was 42.90 ± 1.83, 43.45 ± 1.74, 45.89 ± 1.42, and 46.64 ± 1.27 g in the control, D2, D3, and D4 groups, respectively, with significant differences. Similarly, the SGR, FCR and survival rate of fish were improved with each increasing levels. Hematological parameters including the counts of RBCs and WBC, Hb, and Hct were increased when <em>A. platensis </em>levels increased in the experimental diets, with significant differences. Furthermore,AST and ALT activities showed significant decreases when <em>A. platensis</em> level was increased. Thus, this study indicated that diets containing high amounts of <em>A. platensis </em>microalga improved the growth, feed efficiency, survival rate, and immune response of <em>O. niloticus</em>.