Performance and body composition of Nile tilapia fed diets containing ora-pro-nóbis leaf meal

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Abstract

Recent studies have indicated that ora-pro-nóbis leaf meal (OLM) contains high levels of digestible amino acids compared with conventional ingredients such as corn and wheat bran. This study evaluated effects of OLM on productive performance and body chemical composition of juvenile Nile tilapia. Four hundred fish (14.16 ± 0.43 g) were distributed into 20 tanks (1 m³) in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 3.5, 7, 10.5, and 14 % inclusion) and four replicates over 58 days. Inclusion of OLM did not affect fish survival and improved productive performance, with higher final weight (86.18 g), weight gain (72.35 g), daily weight gain (1.24 g), and fillet weight (27.97 g) observed at the 14 % inclusion level, with no statistical differences compared with levels from 7 % onward. Feed intake averaged 1.83 g and did not differ among diets containing OLM, although values were higher than control treatment. In carcass composition, ether extract decreased at inclusion levels of 10.5 % and 14 %, with values of 7.08 % and 7.04 %, respectively, whereas crude protein increased from the 7 % inclusion level onward, reaching values of 16.76 %, 16.91 %, and 17.24 % at inclusion levels of 7 %, 10.5 %, and 14 %, respectively. Therefore, OLM demonstrates potential as an alternative ingredient for tilapia diets, contributing to economic sustainability and competitiveness of aquaculture, especially for small-scale producers, while also supporting regional circular economy systems.
Keywords: alternative feedstuff; weight gain; tilapia farming; visceral fat index.

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Published

2026-05-28

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Vol. 27 (2026): Continuous publication

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ANIMAL SCIENCE

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How to Cite

MATOS, É. J. A. et al. Performance and body composition of Nile tilapia fed diets containing ora-pro-nóbis leaf meal. Brazilian Animal Science/ Ciência Animal Brasileira, v. 27, 28 May2026.

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