Rearing performance of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed diet with different concentrations of Madre De Agua Trichanthera gigantea leaf extract

Abstract

Thisrnstudy evaluated the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisrnniloticus) fed diets supplemented with different levels of Trichantherarngigantea leaf extract over a six-week rearing period. Results showedrnsignificant improvements in final body weight, body weight gain, specificrngrowth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency ratio (FER), particularly in fish fedrnthe highest concentration (T41). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) wasrnsignificantly reduced, indicating better feed utilization, while feedrnconsumption and survival rate remained statistically unaffected. The improvedrnperformance is attributed to the nutritional quality and bioactive compounds inrnT. gigantea, which may enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. Thesernfindings align with existing literature suggesting the potential of phytogenicrnadditives in aquafeeds to promote growth and feed efficiency withoutrncompromising fish health. Overall, the study supports the inclusion of T.rngigantea extract as a functional feed additive in tilapia diets to enhancerngrowth performance and feed utilization. The inclusion of Trichantherarngigantea in animal diets, particularly in aquaculture, represents a naturalrnand sustainable strategy to enhance immune function.