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How to enhance growth performance of tilapia Iris Kröger, Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition
Performance-limiting effects in intensive aquaculture In intensive aquaculture systems with high stocking density, tilapia is exposed to environmental stress such as hypoxic stress and increased loads of pathogens. These challenges trigger a series of reactions of the immune system and are associated with a high risk of oxidative and inflammatory stress. Because of the high energy demand of immune cells, inflammatory reactions limit the growth performance of tilapia. Using flavonoids to boost health and performance In addition to management measures to reduce the risk of environmental stress, innovative feeding strategies hold great potential. In fact, phytogenic feed
additives can improve fish tolerance to environmental and inflammatory stress and thus enhance growth performance. For example, dietary plant flavonoids can reduce inflammatory responses in the cells and strengthen them against hypoxic stress (Xia et al., 2020). In addition, their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties have been repeatedly demonstrated (Sae-Law et al., 2017). Furthermore, their properties to increase weight gain in fish, for instance by feeding green tea extracts and quercetin, have been highlighted (Zhai & Liu, 2013; Chandravanshi et al., 2020). This shows the potential offered by single flavonoid sources to improve health and performance in aquaculture.
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 13 Issue 2 2021
