Researchers say that basil essential oil can improve the growth, intestinal function, and performance of farmed Nile tilapia.
A Brazilian research team has explored the use of basil essential oil ociumum basilicum in the diet of Nile tilapia and its effect on growth and as an antibiotic alternative.
The researchers stated: Current studies explore the potential effects of basil essential oil in the diet on growth, survival rate, and health (biochemical responses of intestinal enzymes, lysozyme activity, and antibacterial activity against A.hydrophila) in Nile tilapia.
The researchers found that adding 1 ml of extract per kg of feed to the tilapia diet increased growth performance and enhanced intestinal enzyme activity. Using higher levels of the feed additive reduced plasma triglycerides, glucose, liver glycogen, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), along with increased plasma protein and post-infection lysozyme activity.
Basil essential oil can be considered a feed additive in the diet of Nile tilapia, showing benefits in growth, intestinal enzymes, and lysozyme.
Disease Challenges in Aquaculture
Researchers say fish health can be a challenge for intensive aquaculture production.
Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most commercially farmed species in various regions worldwide. The significant increase in tilapia farming has led to increased health problems, including bacterial infections. Medications are often used to control bacterial infections; however, this practice raises concerns about chemical residues in the ecosystem, water, and fish. Therefore, the greatest interest lies in researching anti-pathogenic agents for fish that do not harm the environment.
Why Add Basil Essential Oil to Tilapia Feed?
Researchers say essential oils have shown some potential as growth-promoting feed additives that can be used in fish production. Some essential oils are associated with reducing the effects of bacterial infections.
The use of essential oils also does not raise the same concerns as antibiotic use because these oils are considered a biodegradable alternative, can be found locally, and have no side effects.
Basil essential oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties in fish. The extracts have also been found to improve growth performance in carp and sea bream.
Feeding Trial on Tilapia
In the feeding trial, Nile tilapia were fed for 60 days with 5 different diets. Fish were acclimated for 2 weeks before the start of the trial. The 5 diets consisted of: 0; 0.25 ml; 0.5 ml; 1 ml; and 2 ml / kg of feed.
Trial Results
The researchers found that the more essential oil additive was included in the diet, the greater the growth rate and weight gain in fish.
The survival rate of fish after the trial did not differ among the various diets. However, intestinal amylase was higher in the group of fish on the diet supplemented with 1 ml / kg of feed.
The researchers advised supplementing basil essential oil into the feed at 1 ml/kg of feed for optimal fish growth.
Source: Aquaculture Magazine
