Open Access Research Article

Effect of Dietary Mixture Containing Azolla and Spirulina Platensis on Physiological, Metabolic, Immunological and Histological Performance of GIFTTilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cultured in Lined Ponds

Mosha SS1,2*, Felix S2, Manikandavelu D2, Felix N2, Samuel Moses TLS2 and Menaga M2

1Division of Training, Extension Services and Research, Ministry of Agriculture Training Institute (MATI), P.O Box 121, Mtwara, Tanzania

2Advanced Research Farm Facility, Department of Aquaculture, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr.J.J Jayalithaa Fisheries University, 601204, Mathavaram, Tamil Nadu, India

Corresponding Author

Received Date: May 12, 2020;  Published Date: June 01, 2020

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Azolla and Spirulina platensis inclution diet on physiological, immunological and histological performance of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in lined ponds. With reference to pilot studies conducted in different Azolla and S. platensis inclusion levels, an isonitrogenous (32%) and isocaloric (17 KJ kg-1 DM) diet (15%- Azolla and 3%- S.platensis meal) was formulated to replace fishmeal, while commercial diet was used as control. Animals (5.5 ± 0.04 g) were randomly stocked at a density of 15m-3 in 100m2 lined ponds in all the experimental diets in triplicates. The fishes were fed with experimental diets at 5% of their body weight in two rations throughout the 90 days trial. The results indicated that, water quality parameters (pH, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate), physiological parameters, immunological indices and intestinal villi structure were significantly higher in test diet, while metabolic enzyme activity and liver histology were not influenced by the dietary treatments. Therefore, the study suggests that, partial replacement of fish meal with a combination of Azolla (15%) and S. platensis (3%) meal in semi intensive GIFT tilapia culture is beneficial for the better performance of GIFT tilapia, O. niloticus production.

Keywords: Azolla; Spirulina platensis; GIFT tilapia; Digestive enzymes; Immunity; Carotenoid content

Introduction

Fish supply from aquaculture sector play a significant role in contributing to food security, poverty alleviation and economic development [1]. The sector is highly depending on the use of fish meal as amajor source of protein in feed formulation. Fish meal has been the protein source of choice in aquafeeds for many reasons, including its high protein content, excellent amino acid profile, high nutrient digestibility, general lack of antinutrients etc. However, the irregular supply and high cost form the main constraints in using this conventional ingredient for fish feeds, which greatly impacts the profitability of tilapia farming [2]. Therefore, the use of nonconventional plants based ingredients as alternatives of fish meal could reduce the costs of feed in effective manner. Aquatic plants and microalgaeare among of the nonconventional plants protein sources which can be utilized by different fish species. Its utilization as feed ingredients has taken a new dimension in producing the required animal protein at low cost [3]. Some aquatic plants which can be used in tilapia diet, among others, are Azzola piñata, Salvinia molesta, Lemna minor and Ipomoea aquatic [4]. In addition, several macro- and microalgae species such as Ascochloris spp, Gliricidia maculate, Colocasiae sculenta, Leucaenal eucocephala and Eichornia crassipes have also reported to be successful incorporated in fish diets [3,5-7]. Among aquatic plants and microalgae, Azolla and Sprirulina platensis are ease to be cultivated, have higher productivity and nutritive value, rich on essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals, pigments, improving digestive system and immune functions [8,9]. Indeed, the potential use of these nonconventional plant ingredients is needed for a rapid fish production [10]. Among tilapia strains which reported to convert raw protein from Azolla and Spirulina into the best digestible protein to maintain high metabolic rates and increased growth performance is Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT), an enhanced strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) [11]. GIFT strain is developed to be fast growing and adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions [12]. Its culture represents approximately 80% of cultured tilapia worldwide [13]. In India, GIFT strain has been imported in conjunction with World Fish [14]. In studies conducted at CIFA during the year 1998 to 2000, GIFT tilapia demonstrated high production of 5-6 mt per crop for 4-6 months duration [15]. Recently, it is produced in private and state department licensed hatcheries, and is the most popular among the Nile tilapia strains [16]. Its production reported to have a significant impact on poverty alleviation and livelihoods support [17]. However, due to high price and low availability of fish meal, the cost of pelleted feeds has been increased, in turn compromise the profitability of tilapia farming [2]. Further, the reports on use of nonconventional plants based ingredients on the physiology of GIFT tilapia strain are limited. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary mixture containing Azolla and S. platensis on physiological, immunological and histological performance of GIFT Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in lined ponds.

Materials and Methods

Experimental diets and feeding

Based on pilot scale studies conducted earlier, individual inclusion of Azolla at 15% and Spirulina platensis at 3% showed significant growth performance in GIFT tilapia culture. With reference to this, an isonitrogenous (32%) and isocaloric (17 KJ kg-1 DM) diet was formulated to replace fish meal with Azolla and S. platensis at 15% and 3% respectively (Table 1 & 2), while commercial diet (growel) was used as control. Animals weighing (5.5 ± 0.04 g) were randomly stocked at a density of 15m-3 in 100m2 lined ponds in all the experimental diets in triplicates. The fishes were fed with experimental diets at 5% of their body weight in two rations for all the treatments throughout the 90 days feeding trial.

Table 1:Proximate composition of experimental feed ingredients (g 100g-1, as fed).

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Table 2:Proximate composition of the experimental diets (g 100g-1, as fed).

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Water quality parameters

The water quality parameters were monitored throughout the experimental trial. Temperature (Pro 20, YSI-USA), Dissolved Oxygen (Pro 20, YSI-USA) and pH (model: LT-10) were monitored daily. Nitrite (NO2-N), Ammonia (NH3-N), Nitrate (NO3-N), Total hardness and Total alkalinity were measured weekly once by titration method using spectrophotometer (Systronics, Ahmedabad, India) [18].

Growth performance and survival

The growth parameters and survival rate were evaluated at the end of 90 days feeding trial according to Olvera-Novoaet al. [19].

Proximate composition analysis of ingredients, feeds and animals

All ingredients, experimental feeds and animals were subjected to proximate composition analysis. Crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, total ash, moisture and gross energy were analyzed according to AOAC [20]. The results for feed ingredients and experimental feeds are shown in Table 1 and 2.

Antioxidant enzymes activity

Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were assayed at the end of feeding trial. CAT activity was measured according to Takaharaet al. [21]. SOD and GPx activities were assayed according to the method of Mishra & Fridovich [22], and Paglia & Valentine [23] respectively.

Metabolic enzyme activities:

Metabolic enzymes activity in the blood samples were assayed at the end of 90 days feeding trial. Plasma protein was estimated by Lowry [24] method. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were assayed according to Reitman and Frankel [25].

Digestive enzyme activities

At the end of experimental trial, amylase activity was determined by the starch-hydrolysis method of Bernfeld [26]. Lipase and protease activity were assayed according to Cherry and Crandall [27] and Bernfeld [26] respectively.

Blood serum biochemistry

Blood serum biochemistry contents such as total serum protein, albumin and globulin were assayed at the end of 90 days feeding trial. The serum total protein estimation was carried out by Lowry’s method [24]. Albumin and globulin contents were performed following the method of Doumaset al. [28].

Blood immunological indices

Blood immunological indices such as Respiratory burst activity (RBT) in the blood plasma were assayed using the modified method of Anderson and Siwiki [29]. Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) was measured according to Quade and Roth [30]. Plasma lysozyme activity was determined according to Shugar [31] and glucose content was assayed by using a standard kit (Beacon Diagnostics Pvt.LTD, India).

Muscle quality index

The total carotenoid concentration (TCC) in fish muscle tissues were analyzed immediately after the completion of the experiment following the pigment extraction method as described by Olson [32].

Histology

At the end of 90 days feeding trial, liver and intestinal tissues from the dietary groups were collected and preserved in 70% formalin. The histological section analysis of liver and intestinal tissues was performed according to Yuji-Sadoet al. [33] at State Referral Laboratory for Aquatic Animal Health, Tamil Nadu, India. The villi length and muscular layer thickness measurements were measured using binocular microscope (Lawrence & Mayo, NLCD-120E) with a micrometer rule according to the methods of Spadoniet al. [34] and Eyarefeet al. [35].

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis for all the parameters were performed using Student’s T-test at 5% (p <0.05) level to compare mean between the dietary treatments. The results obtained were presented as mean ± SE (standard error of mean). All calculations were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics V21 (IBM Cop. Armonk, New York, USA).

Results and Discussion

Physico-chemical water parameters

The mean water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total ammonia (NH4-N+) and nitrite (NO2-N) were not significantly different (p< 0.05) between test diet and the control (Table 3).

Table 3:Physical chemical of water in GIFT tilapia fed with experimental diets for 90 days.

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These values were compatible with the optimal water quality parameters of Nile tilapia [36], and were similar to those previously reported in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [37] fed Azolla-based-diets in earthen ponds. In addition, the pH, alkalinity, hardness and nitrate (NO3-N) values were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in test diet compared to the control. This leads to phytoplankton abundances which are the primary source of energy for zooplanktons. Therefore, the quick assimilation of ammonia by the phytoplankton balanced ponds’ ecosystem with ideal pH [37].

Growth performances and Survival

At the end of the trial, Final weight (FW), Average daily gain (ADG), Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and Specific growth rate (SGR) of GIFT tilapia were significantly improved in test diet compared to the control (Table 4). The improvement of growth performance in the current study might be due to high nutritional quality of Azolla and S. platensis meals as they are rich in essential fatty acids (Gamma Linoleic Acid), digestive enzymes, vitamins (vitamin A and B12), minerals and pigments [38-40]. Therefore, the present findings are in accordance with the results reported in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [41,42] when fed with plant based supplemented diet. In addition, the increased SGR with Azolla fed animals were reported by Sheeno and Sahu [43] and they have found Azolla protein concentrate (APC) can be used to the minimum extent by 16.25% by replacing 10% fish meal in diet of Labeo ruhita fry. In the present study, FCR was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in test diet fed group compared to the control, possibly due to the optimum inclusion of Azolla and Spirulina which didn’t pose any antinational activity thereby improving the feed intake. These two specific feed ingredients are known to exhibit high nutritional value at a minimal level of supplementation (Demelash, 2018). Hence, when combined have the ability to increase the absorption and assimilation of dietary protein (Yoneet al., 1986). The present findings are in agreement with Abu-Zead [44] and Dawahet al. [45] who reported that, algae and aquatic plant supplementation significantly improved growth and lower FCR in Nile tilapia. On the other hand, no significant difference was shown in survival rate among the experimental groups. This could be due to high assimilation of nutrients in Azolla and Spirulina unitalize supplemented at low quantity and natural food in the pond [46-48]. Similarly, Ungsethaphandet al. [49], El-Sheekhet al. [50] and Souza et al. [51] found that, the tilapia supplemented with plant based diet did not show a significant difference in the survival rates.

Table 4:Growth performance and survival of GIFT tilapia fed with experimental diets for 90 days.

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Whole body proximate composition

The body composition of fish is primarily influenced by diet composition and can be controlled through nutrition [52]. The metabolism of carbohydrate, fats, and protein in fish muscles can be enhanced due to the presence of large amounts of natural chlorophyll, β-carotene, vitamin E, minerals (potassium and iron) and low fiber contents that are present in most of aquatic plants and microalgae [53]. In the present study, crude protein, crude fat and total ash were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in test diet, however, there was low moisture content (Table 5).

Table 5:Fish body proximate composition fed with experimental diets for 90 days (g 100g-1).

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The analysis of body muscles of the experimental fish revealed the incorporation of Azolla and Spirulina in the diet of fish increase the major nutrients composition. This might be due to the rich protein supply fern Azolla and Spirulina with a favorable amino acid profile compared to soy (Kösesakal and Yıldız, 2019). The similar improved body composition (crude protein and fat contents) were reported in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus [54], Cyprinus carpio [55] and Osphronemus gourami [56] when fed Azolla and/or Spirulina supplemented diets.

Digestive enzyme activities

In the present study, the amylase activity didn’t show significant differences between dietary treatment and the control, however lipase and protease activity were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in test diet (Figure 1).

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The inclusion ofS. platensis might have improved the digestion of lipoproteins that led to the increased lipase and protein activity. This paved a way for the higher growth in the test diet fed fishes. Another reason could be due to the proper formulation of the experimental diet in which protein, lipids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals composition were balanced in the diet. The nutritional requirements of GIFT tilapia were meticulously by Azolla and Spirulina thereby deposition of major nutrients in fish muscles was clearly observed. This can also be correlated with the improved growth performance of test diet fed fishes. The findings of the present study are in agreement with the results reported in European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax [57] when fed microalgae supplemented diet.

Antioxidant enzyme activities
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The present study revealed higher Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroidation (GPx) activities in fish fed with test diet (Figure 2), indicating reduced cell damage, than fish fed control diet. This might be due to the presence of C-phycocyanin compound which has high anti-arthritic, antiinflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects, which are closely connected with its antioxidative activity and maintaining the immune capacity of the fish [52]. The similar results have been reported in tilapia when fed with aquatic plants supplemented diets (Figure 2).

Metabolic enzyme activities

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were reduced in test diet fed animals compared to the basal diet fed animals, however they were not significant (Figure 3).

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The results revealed that, AST and ALT activity were less in fish fed with test diet compared to the control, hence the damage of the internal organs such as liver will be lesser in test diet compared to the control [58]. The presence of some probiotics and biopolymers, and vitamins such as vitamin A, C, B12 as well as beta-carotene and minerals (iron) in Azolla and Spirulina reported to prevent fish tissues from oxidative damage and protect phagocytic cells [59]. Further, Misurcovaet al. [60] reported that, minerals which are present in aquatic plants play important functions in fish such as cell transportation and metabolic processes which serving as catalytic enzymes cofactors. The findings of the present study are in accordance with the results reported in Nile tilapia [61,62].

Blood serum biochemistry

The measurement of albumin, globulin and total protein in serum or plasma provides an indication of the enhanced immune system in fish [63,64]. The enhanced blood serum protein, globulin contents and A/G ratio in the current study (Table 6) are in line with the increased lysozyme and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, suggesting immunomodulatory effects of Azolla and Spirulina on GIFT tilapia. Thus, supplementary dietary can positively affect the biochemical parameters, nutritional status and welfare of cultured tilapia. Similar findings have been reported in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [42], great sturgeon, Huso huso Linnaeus [65] and Gouramy, Osphronemus gouramy [56] when fed with aquatic plants and/or algae supplemented diets (Table 6).

Blood immunological indices

There was no significant difference shown in respiratory burst activity (RBT) among dietary treatments, however the highly significant difference (p < 0.05) were observed in lysozyme and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in test diet fed animals (Table 7).

Table 6:Blood serum biochemistry contents of GIFT tilapia fed with experimental diets for 90 days.

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Table 7:Immunological indices of GIFT tilapia fed with experimental diets for 90 days.

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The improved immune stimulating capacity (RBT and MPO) in fish might be due to the presence of antimicrobial compounds such as C-phycocyanin which reported to boost the immunity capacity and fight off any infections arise [4]. Promya and Chitmanat [66] and Liu etal. [67] reported that, Azolla and S.platensis contain phycocyanin and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) particularly docohesaexanoic acid (DHA) which enhanced immune-stimulatory (white blood cells) in fish. The findings of the present study are in accordance with the results reported in Nile Tilapia [68], when administered with S. platensis supplemented diets. The lysozyme activity is one of the defensive factors against invasion by microorganisms [69]. The higher values reported in the present study revealed the improvement of the immune system in fish. Our results are in agreement with the findings of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [70] and Great sturgeon, Huso huso [65] when fed plant based diets. On the other hand, the glucose content in the present study was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the test diet compared to the control (Table 7), possibly due to the reduction of erythrocytosis and gluconeogenesis activity in fish which are related to the physiological stress [71]. Therefore, the low levels of glucose content recorded in the present study revealed the tolerant capacity of fish against physiological stress. Similar result has been reported in Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio when fed plant based diet (Phoneix dactylifera) at 15% inclusion level.

Muscle quality index

Consumer acceptability of fish products rely on pigmentation such as carotenoid concentration in muscles. In the present study, total carotenoid concentration (TCC) in fish muscles was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in test diet compared to the control (Figure 4).

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The bioactive compound (astaxanthin) found in Azolla and Spirulina which are important in the formation of polyunsaturated fatty acid in fish muscles could explain the high values reported in the present study [72]. Also, the carotenoid content improves transportation of lipoproteins which enhance fish muscles and growth [73]. The results are in agreement with the findings of Bin- Dohaishet al. [70] in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) when fed with aquatic plant based diets. Therefore, the supplementation of Azolla and Spirulina at minimal amount improves the overall fish quality, flesh firmness and taste [74,42].

Histology

The effects of plant based feeds in fish gut morphology are species-specific and the dietary inclusion levels [75]. In the present study, there were no morphological changes observed in fish liver among the experimental groups (Figure 5).

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Hence, the histological analysis of the present study suggests that no liver damage was attributed due to the supplementation of plant based ingredients. The findings are in accordance with results reported in Nile tilapia, O. niloticus [76,51] and Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis [77], when fed diets contained macro and microalgae. In addition, there were significant increase of intestinal villi length and muscular layer thickness in supplemented diet than the control (Figure 6).

This might be due to the availability of biochemical compounds in aquatic plants or algae when incorporated in fish diets [77]. The present findings are in agreement with the results reported in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus [42]. Therefore, the present study reveal that, Azolla and Spirulina are a good source of fish feed at limited inclusion levels to optimize its digestion due to less fiber and cellulose contents [78-89]. The nutrient absorption was also improved due to increased villi length which could be advantageous in pond culture.

Conclusion

The use of nonconventional plant based ingredients and their combined effect in aqua feeds promotes intestinal health and improves fish performance. The findings of the present study for the first time revealed that, the effective incorporation of Azolla(15%) and S. platensis (3%) in GIFT tilapia diet can improve growth of fishes and enhance body composition, digestive, antioxidant and metabolic enzymes activities, blood serum and immunological indices, thereby reducing the cost of feed. However, more research efforts are needed on the complete replacement of fish meal to improve the digestibility and identification of unknown anti-nutritional factors of the plants origin ingredients to enhance growth performance and feed utilization in fish. Also, these findings merit further exploration in disease challenge studies.

Acknowledgement

The authors are very grateful to the Government of India through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and African Union (AU) for providing the financial support in the form of Research Fellowship for the period of doctoral study of the first author.

Conflict of Interest

No conflict of interest.

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