Resumo

GOMES, Igor GRF et al. Dietary supplementation with Spirulina platensis increases growth and color of red tilapia. Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.3, pp.462-471. ISSN 0120-0690.

Proper nutrition is critical for the production of aquatic species, especially during their early stages, when animals are more susceptible to mismanagement and sudden environmental changes. Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Spirulina platensis as a nutritional supplement for growth and coloration of red tilapia. Methods: tilapia were fed with commercial feed (D₁: control); commercial feed + wet Spirulina platensis (D₂); commercial feed + dry Spirulina platensis (D₃); commercial feed + freshwater microalgae (D₄). Results: D₂ showed the best growth performance results. Survival rates of D₁, D₂ and D₃ were higher than D₄ (p<0.05). Masculinization and gastrointestinal rates were similar between treatments (p>0.05). The hepatosomatic index was similar between D₁ and D₄ (p>0.05) but lower than D₂ and D₃ (p<0.05). Yellow color intensity in D₂ was moderate, whereas D₃ was weak (Abs. 490 nm). Skin extracts of fish not consuming S. platensis showed very weak staining. Aquatic algae counts in D₁ revealed that cyanobacterium (Microcystis genus) presented 95% dominance. Conclusions: fish fed with wet or dr y S. platensis, showed higher growth and staining than animals exposed to commercial feed alone or combined with freshwater microalgae. Marine microalgae proved effective in red tilapia. It is suggested to study the cost-benefit of cultivation and supply of S. platensis to fish, and to determine the economic benefits that this practice can bring to commercial farming.

Palavras-chave : aquaculture; fish feeding; fish performance; microalgae; Oreochromis.

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