Essential oils in the initial phase of broodstock diets of Nile tilapia

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of feed supplementation (at doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) with SALUTO®, a microencapsulated blend of essential oils including carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, 1,8-cineol, and pepper oleoresin, in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock on reproductive and growth parameters during the initial phase of rearing. The growth parameters, somatic indexes and gonadal and hepatic parameters were analyzed. Quantitative parameters of growth, ovary fat and crude protein were not affected by supplementation of the additive. However, an increase in crude protein in the female liver was observed in correlation with increased essential oil levels. The female hepatosomatic index was also correlated with supplementation of essential oils. Feeding Nile tilapia broodstock diets containing an essential oil compound (SALUTO®) affects only the females, promoting an increase in liver protein inclusion and hepatosomatic index without impairing performance. © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.