Effect of bioactive peptides obtained from Tenebrio molitor on growth, somatic indices, body composition, biochemical parameters and digestive enzyme activity of silver catfish

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Abstract

As aquaculture activity grows to meet population demand, farming systems intensify. Therefore, new research seeks to find nutritional additives that have a positive impact, reducing their breeding time and mortality. The present study addresses the effects of the inclusion of increasing levels of bioactive peptides obtained from Tenebrio molitor (BPTM) on the growth, somatic indices, body composition, circulating metabolites and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). Three isoproteic and isocaloric diets were formulated to contain levels of 0 %, 0.5 % or 1.0 % inclusion of BPTM. In a water recirculation system, 336 jundiá juveniles (initial average weight of 3.83 ± 0.69 g) were distributed in 12 experimental units (four replicates per treatment). Fish were fed the experimental diets to apparent satiety for six weeks. At the end of the trial, biometric measurements, blood samples and body tissue samples were collected. No significant differences were observed for final weight, total length, weight gain, condition factor, somatic digestive index, somatic hepatic index and intestinal quotient among the animals in the different treatments. Regarding body composition, there were differences in moisture and ash values (higher concentrations in fish in the 0.5 % and 1.0 % BPTM treatments, respectively). The activity of intestinal trypsin and chymotrypsin was not affected, as well as the plasma parameters evaluated. It is concluded that the inclusion of BPTM did not negatively affect the parameters evaluated, but further studies need to be carried out to elucidate an ideal level of peptide inclusion.
Keywords: pisciculture; functional food; animal growth; health promoter; Rhamdia quelen.

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Published

2026-05-13

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

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How to Cite

PENCHEL, E. M. et al. Effect of bioactive peptides obtained from Tenebrio molitor on growth, somatic indices, body composition, biochemical parameters and digestive enzyme activity of silver catfish. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 13 May2026.

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