Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Animal Production, Agricultural and Biology Institute. National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth Street, P.O:12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
2
Department of Animal Production, Agricultural and Biology Institute. National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
3
33 st Tahrir
4
1Animal Production Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth Street, P.O: 12622, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
5
Cell Biology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
6
Dep of Hydrobiology, Vet Res Div National Research Centre
7
Packaging Materials Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St. (former El Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, P.O. 12622, Egypt
8
National research centre
10.21608/ejabf.2025.440725.6962
Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of dietary Nano-chitosan supplementation on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, energy retention, protein productive value (PPV%), and economic efficiency of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Thus, a total of 168 fish were acclimated and randomly distributed into 12 aquaria (14 fish per aquarium) with an initial average weight of 102 ± 0.48 g. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated to contain Nano-chitosan at 0g/ kg (G1), 2g/ kg (G2), 4g/ kg (G3), and 6g/ kg (G4). Fish fed the diet containing 2g Nano-chitosan/kg (G2) showed significant improvements in final body weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, feed intake, crude protein intake, and protein efficiency ratio, along with a markedly improved feed conversion ratio. Nano-chitosan supplementation also influenced the fish’s body composition: G3 recorded the highest crude protein content, followed by G4 and G2, whereas G1 exhibited the highest ether extract value. Similarly, G3 achieved the highest gross energy content, followed by G4. Both energy retention (%) and PPV% were notably enhanced in G2. Economic evaluation indicated that the 2g/ kg Nano-chitosan diet achieved the most favorable feed cost efficiency and profitability. Overall, the findings demonstrate that incorporating Nano-chitosan at low dietary levels particularly 2g/ kg can significantly improve growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient retention, and economic return in the Nile tilapia aquaculture, highlighting its potential as a sustainable feed additive.
Keywords
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