Work

Dietary Yellow Bells (Tecoma stans) Flower Enhances Gut Health, Fillet Quality, Hematological Indices, and Whole-Body Composition in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Yellow bells (Tecoma stans) is a popular ornamental flowering plant used in public spaces. Its flowers are considered a medicinal herb rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using dried yellow bells flower (YB) as a dietary supplement for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nile tilapia (0.74 ± 0.01 g body weight) were divided into six groups for an eight-week feeding trial, during which their diets were supplemented with 5 different levels by weight of YB: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The control group received a non-supplemented diet. Parameters related to growth, feed utilization, skin and fillet coloration, gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition were observed. Survival, feed utilization, and skin and fillet coloration were unaffected by YB supplementation, and growth performance was generally maintained up to 8% dietary inclusion. However, at 4 to 6% YB intestinal cellulase activity and gastrointestinal radical-scavenging activities were significantly increased, while amylase and protease activities, and the amylase/trypsin ratio, were maintained. Fillet quality was improved at 4% YB, with higher myosin and total myofibrillar protein contents but without changes in RNA, total protein, or RNA/protein ratio. At moderate YB inclusion levels, white blood cell counts were lower and packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels were higher, indicating improved physiological status. Whole-body crude protein and ash were increased at higher YB levels, whereas moisture and lipid were unchanged. Overall, dietary inclusion of around 4% YB was associated with favorable improvements in gut functionality, fillet quality, blood parameters, and whole-body composition in Nile tilapia.

Source: Animals

Authors: Kanokwan Hyukhongkaeo, Nutt Nuntapong, Waraporn Hahor, Karun Thongprajukaew

Institution: Prince of Songkla University

Language: English

Topic: Aquaculture Nutrition and Growth

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funders: Prince of Songkla University, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand