EFFECT OF A gut health MODULATOR ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY of nile tILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage farming

Feed is the major cost in the production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). This encourages nutritionists to explore novel strategies to improve the cost efficiency of feed, including the use of feed additives to enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization. Furthermore, increasing disease pressure is causing important mortalities and/or variable survival, which in turn contribute significantly to the production cost. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a natural growth promotor based on natural phytobiotics, capable of modulating the gut microflora towards a more beneficial composition, on the production parameters and economics of tilapia production in cages. The trial was executed in experimental cages (7m3 each) during 111 days starting from fish of an average size of 170 g, stocked with 840 fish per cage. Fish fed a commercial diet with or without the addition of the feed additive (SANACORE® GM, Nutriad) were evaluated in 5 replicate cages. Experimental feeds were produced in a commercial extrusion line (crude protein 32 %). Fishes were fed 4 times per day, according to feeding tables. Non-consumed feed was weighed and discounted.

The control treatment showed excellent production results, confirming the absence of any significant disease challenges during the trial. At harvest, the treatment receiving the feed additive showed significant improvements compared to the control group regarding survival, feed conversion, and growth, resulting overall in 7.7% increased biomass yield and 3.5% reduced feed costs per kg of fish produced. The application of the feed additive overall increased the revenues for the farmer with 10%.