Fish are the cornerstone of global food security and nutrition. Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most popular fish cultured in the world based on high demand from consumers . It is also one of the most important species farmed in aquaculture as it can be grown in various agricultural systems and is omnivorous. Tilapia is particularly important in developing contexts in the world as it is inexpensive and easy for small farmers to grow for nutrition, and income. The Egyptian aquaculture sector is the largest producer of farmed fish in Africa, and tilapia is the foremost cultured species in Egypt. It accounts for approximately 67% of all cultured fish in the country.
Nowadays Egypt’s tilapia farming industry faces many problems and constraints that negatively impacts progress in this area. The problems create significant decline in economic growth rates based on poor water quality and fish mortality.
Functional feeds are feeds that contain special additives to perform a special function in a specific period. The concept of functional aquafeeds represents an evolving concept in the diets of fish and crustaceans. In the design of functional feeds, a wide range of feed additives can be used to extend feed performance beyond satisfying basic nutritional requirements of the target species, to improve growth and feed utilization, but also to support the health and stress resistance of the animals.
Two types of functional feeds produced by Aller Aqua Egypt were used to counteract the suboptimal conditions of tilapia farming in Egypt. They are Aller Antistress and Support feeds, and work against temperature fluctuations and pathogens, respectively.
Research has shown that using functional feed from Aller Aqua can help prevent mortalities during summer periods, and overcome bacterial disease spread among the tilapia farms needing to improve water properties. This in turn improved the economic profitability of the farm.
Key Words: Tilapia, Summer mortality, Functional Feed, Aller Aqua, Egypt, Antistress, Support