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Study finds microalgae, biomass blend beneficial for tilapia

Researchers have found that a microalgal-based diet blended with defatted biomass improved fish growth and offered a cost-effective alternative feed for tilapia growers.

In the article titled, “Microalgae-blend tilapia feed eliminates fishmeal and fish oil, improves growth, and is cost viable,” researchers carried out the experiment to develop a new aqua feed formula using commercially available, protein-rich, leftover biomass with marine microalgae Schizochytrium sp.

The study showed that a combination of Schizochytrium sp. and defatted biomass of N. oculata in fish feed, promoted improved growth. The researchers also found that the Schizochytrium sp. was highly digestible for tilapia.

“Our results provide a framework for the development of fish-free feeds and the first evidence of a high performing feed for tilapia that combines two different marine microalgae,” the study said. 

It further added, “Combining underutilized defatted biomass protein with DHA-rich marine microalgae in the fish-free feed resulted in better tilapia growth compared with fish fed a conventional diet containing fish meal and fish oil.”