Author(s)

Youssouf Abou, Emile Didier Fiogbé, Yves Beckers, Jean-Claude Micha

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The approximate general composition and the fatty acid profile of Nile tilapia fed Azolla-diets in ponds were studied for 90 days. Six isonitrogenous (29.2% CP) and isoenergetic (16.9 kJ·g>sup>-1) diets were formulated to contain 0% (A₀), 10% (A₁₀), 20% (A>sub>20), 30% (A₃₀), 40% (A₄₀) and 50% (A₅₀) of Azolla meal (AM), as partial fish meal (FM) substitutes. Diet A₀ without AM served as a control. Fish growth decreased as AM level exceeded 20% in diets (P < 0.05). Dry matter and crude protein showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Crude lipid was significantly lower in fish fed A₅₀ and significant differences were also found in crude ash (P < 0.05). Linolenic acid (LLA) decreased significantly when AM level in diets increased (P < 0.05). In contrast, arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showed significantly higher values in fish fed high AM (P < 0.05). The n - 3/n - 6 ratio ranged from 0.35 to 0.49, with values being significantly higher in fish fed A₂₀, A₃₀ and A₅₀. High level of the fern reduces growth without negatively affecting fatty acid in fish. Fish PUFA, especially the (n - 3) fatty acids, are affected positively, even when fed 50% AM, which is good for the quality of the fish produced in regard to the benefits for the health of consumers.

Azolla Filiculoides, Fish Meal Replacement, Oreochromis Niloticus, Fatty Acid, Natural Food, Earthen Pond

Y. Abou, E. Fiogbé, Y. Beckers and J. Micha, "Approximate Compositional Values and Tissue Fatty Acid Profiles of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) Fed Azolla-Diets in Earthen Ponds," Food and Nutrition Sciences, Vol. 2 No. 9, 2011, pp. 964-973. doi: 10.4236/fns.2011.29131.