Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract
To address the growing global demand for aquatic protein and the need for sustainable aquaculture, this study explored <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> tea extract as a novel feed additive for <i>Oreochromis mossambicus</i> larvae. Over an eight-week feeding trial, the efficacy of...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| author | Grace Okuthe Bongile Bhomela Noluyolo Vundisa |
| author_facet | Grace Okuthe Bongile Bhomela Noluyolo Vundisa |
| author_sort | Grace Okuthe |
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| description | To address the growing global demand for aquatic protein and the need for sustainable aquaculture, this study explored <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> tea extract as a novel feed additive for <i>Oreochromis mossambicus</i> larvae. Over an eight-week feeding trial, the efficacy of diets supplemented with 30% fermented or green rooibos extract was assessed against a control. Both fermented and green rooibos treatments significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) enhanced larval growth, evidenced by improved weight gain and feed conversion ratios (fermented: 1.50 ± 0.25; green: 1.41 ± 0.07). Notably, <i>A. linearis</i> extracts also demonstrated genoprotective potential, as indicated by a marked reduction in micronucleus frequency, most likely attributed to their abundant phenolic compounds. These findings demonstrate that rooibos extract, especially the green variety, can improve growth performance and feed utilization, and also provide genoprotective benefits. The superior outcomes in growth and feed conversion are likely due to the bioactive phenolic compounds, which may enhance palatability, gut health, and nutrient absorption, rather than macronutrient content. This positions rooibos extract as a promising natural functional additive for aquafeed, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance tilapia farming productivity and resource utilization. However, further research is necessary to uncover specific molecular mechanisms, conduct in-depth analyses of gut health and immune responses, and evaluate effects on product quality to facilitate its sustainable and effective integration into aquaculture practices, thereby contributing to both fish health and food security. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 2079-7737 |
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| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
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| spelling | doaj-art-8a3ce967ec4f41e29ffdb68dd29fb0d02025-07-25T13:14:59ZengMDPI AGBiology2079-77372025-06-0114777810.3390/biology14070778Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea ExtractGrace Okuthe0Bongile Bhomela1Noluyolo Vundisa2Freshwater Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South AfricaFreshwater Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South AfricaFreshwater Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South AfricaTo address the growing global demand for aquatic protein and the need for sustainable aquaculture, this study explored <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> tea extract as a novel feed additive for <i>Oreochromis mossambicus</i> larvae. Over an eight-week feeding trial, the efficacy of diets supplemented with 30% fermented or green rooibos extract was assessed against a control. Both fermented and green rooibos treatments significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) enhanced larval growth, evidenced by improved weight gain and feed conversion ratios (fermented: 1.50 ± 0.25; green: 1.41 ± 0.07). Notably, <i>A. linearis</i> extracts also demonstrated genoprotective potential, as indicated by a marked reduction in micronucleus frequency, most likely attributed to their abundant phenolic compounds. These findings demonstrate that rooibos extract, especially the green variety, can improve growth performance and feed utilization, and also provide genoprotective benefits. The superior outcomes in growth and feed conversion are likely due to the bioactive phenolic compounds, which may enhance palatability, gut health, and nutrient absorption, rather than macronutrient content. This positions rooibos extract as a promising natural functional additive for aquafeed, offering a sustainable strategy to enhance tilapia farming productivity and resource utilization. However, further research is necessary to uncover specific molecular mechanisms, conduct in-depth analyses of gut health and immune responses, and evaluate effects on product quality to facilitate its sustainable and effective integration into aquaculture practices, thereby contributing to both fish health and food security.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/7/778rooibos tea extractMozambique tilapiafunctional ingredientaquaculture feedgrowth performancefeed efficiency |
| spellingShingle | Grace Okuthe Bongile Bhomela Noluyolo Vundisa Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract Biology rooibos tea extract Mozambique tilapia functional ingredient aquaculture feed growth performance feed efficiency |
| title | Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract |
| title_full | Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract |
| title_fullStr | Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract |
| title_full_unstemmed | Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract |
| title_short | Functional Feed for Tilapia: Exploring the Benefits of <i>Aspalathus linearis</i> Tea Extract |
| title_sort | functional feed for tilapia exploring the benefits of i aspalathus linearis i tea extract |
| topic | rooibos tea extract Mozambique tilapia functional ingredient aquaculture feed growth performance feed efficiency |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/7/778 |
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