Work

Processed Chlorella vulgaris: Effects on Digestibility and Growth Performance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Microalgae are a promising feed ingredient in aquaculture due to their high nutrient content. This study evaluated the effects of different processing methods of Chlorella vulgaris on digestibility, retention, and growth performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 270 mixed-sex tilapia (average weight: 2.8 ± 0.15 g) were randomly assigned and fed to one of three experimental diets—a basal diet, a diet containing freeze-dried Chlorella, or a diet containing spray-dried Chlorella—with three replicates each for 5 weeks. Results indicated that spray-dried Chlorella significantly enhanced protein and energy digestibility, nutrient retention, and growth performance compared to freeze-dried Chlorella. These findings underscore the critical role of processing methods in maximizing the nutritional potential of microalgae for aquaculture feeds. Further research is recommended to optimize processing techniques and inclusion levels for cost-effective and sustainable applications.

Source: Fishes

DOI: 10.3390/fishes10090462

Authors: Pedro Henrique Sessegolo Ferzola, Moritz Meyer, Martin Gierus

Institutions: Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety & Innovation (Austria), BOKU University

Language: English

Topic: Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137