Silicon, a vital element often overlooked in aquaculture, has shown promising results in improving the health and growth of tilapia.
A recent study published by scientists from the Technical State University of Quevedo (UTEQ), the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), the Technical University Luis Vargas Torres of Esmeraldas (UTLVTE), and the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR) explored the effects of organic silicon supplementation in juvenile hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus), revealing insights into its potential as an innovative element in fish nutrition.
The study hypothesizes that the use of organic silicon could influence growth, blood biochemistry, digestive physiology, and stress resistance in hybrid tilapia.
Organic Silicon: A Promise for Aquaculture
Intensive tilapia production faces challenges such as high feed costs and health issues related to density and inadequate management. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics to combat diseases has led to bacterial resistance and environmental contamination, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives.
In this context, organic silicon emerges as a possible solution. Previous studies have demonstrated its importance in human and animal health, and although research on aquatic organisms is limited, there are indications of its benefits.
Silicon plays a role in the interaction of fish with their aquatic environment through the ingestion of silicon-containing organisms, the formation of hard structures, or participation in physiological processes. Additionally, silicon has been shown to improve leptin response, regulate food intake, strengthen connective tissues, and contribute to the functioning of organs such as the stomach and intestines.
Moreover, silicon plays an important role in strengthening the immune and hematological systems, facilitating the formation of antigen-antibody complexes, and inducing the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. It also helps reduce susceptibility to diseases and pathogens, even in cases of severe crowding. Additionally, silica has been shown to improve water quality and act synergistically with other metals such as zinc and copper.
Organic Silicon and Tilapia: A New Frontier
A recent study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with organic silicon in hybrid tilapia. Preliminary results are promising, indicating improvements in growth, blood biochemistry, digestion, and stress resistance.
Researchers studied the impact of different levels of organic silicon in tilapia by feeding various groups of fish with diets containing increasing amounts of the supplement. The results were convincing:
- Improved growth performance: Fish fed diets with up to 50 mg of organic silicon per kilogram of feed showed faster growth rates and better feed conversion efficiency compared to the control group.
- Enhanced digestive health: The study revealed positive effects on digestive enzymes, suggesting better nutrient absorption and overall digestive well-being.
- Accelerated metabolism: Blood biochemistry analysis indicated that organic silicon positively influenced the metabolic processes of tilapia.
- Intestinal health and microbiota: The supplement promoted a diverse and beneficial intestinal microbiota, crucial for the overall health of the fish.
- Increased stress resistance: Tilapia fed the highest dose of organic silicon showed better survival rates when subjected to stressful conditions.
No Adverse Effects
It is important to note that the study found no negative impacts of organic silicon on the physiology or metabolism of the fish, even at the highest dose. This suggests a wide safety margin for its use in tilapia aquaculture.
Possible Implications for Tilapia Farming
The findings of this research open interesting possibilities for the tilapia farming industry. By incorporating organic silicon into tilapia feed, farmers could potentially achieve faster growth rates, better feed efficiency, and healthier fish. This could lead to greater profitability and reduced environmental impact.
While the results are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of organic silicon’s beneficial effects on tilapia. Additionally, studies on different fish species and farming conditions are needed to evaluate the broader applicability of these findings.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates the potential of organic silicon as a valuable addition to tilapia diets. By optimizing growth performance, digestive health, and stress resistance, this supplement can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture industry. As research continues to develop, we can anticipate even greater advances in tilapia nutrition and production.
Reference (open access)
Méndez-Martínez, Y.; Valensuela-Barros, H.A.; Cruz-Quintana, Y.; Botello-León, A.; Muñoz-Mestanza, R.D.; Orellana-Castro, G.L.; Angulo, C. Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Organic Silicon on the Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Digestive Enzymes, Morphohistology, Intestinal Microbiota and Stress Resistance in Juvenile Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). Biology 2024, 13, 531. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070531
