Evaluation of ulva lactuca fermentation and exogenous multi-enzymes supplementation in combination with l-carnitine and probiotic on optimizing plant-based diets utilization for the nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Abstract

A (2X3) factorial design was conducted to evaluate using fermented Ulva lactuca (FER) and exogenous multi-enzymes, Natuzyme® (MEM, 1.5 g/kg) supplementation in combination with L-carnitine (LC, 350 mg/kg) and/or probiotic (PRO, 0.3%/kg) on growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (5.14±0.08 g initial body weight) fed plant-Ulva based diets over a 12-weeks feeding trial. Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated to provide 28% protein and 425 kcal/100 g diets which divided into FER and MEM groups each with three different supplementations (LC, PRO and LC + PRO). Results of the present study revealed that fish fed on the third diet (FER + LC + PRO) and last diet (MEM + LC + PRO) were significantly higher in average body weight, weight gain, and relative body weight gain than other treatments without significant differences between the two treatments. Fish fed (FER + LC + PRO) diet and (MEM + LC + PRO) diet consumed more feed than other treatments. No significant differences were detected among different fish groups for whole-body composition. The results of the present study suggested that using fermented Ulva lactuca and inclusion of exogenous multienzymes in combination with L-Carnitine and/or probiotics have beneficial effects on improving growth performance, feed utilization, and reducing feed cost of Nile tilapia.