ABSTRACT. This work examines the economic advantages of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock during the reproductive period. For this purpose, Bacillus subtilis was applied as a feed additive. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatment groups: the T0 control (without probiotic), the T1 continuous probiotic intake, and the T2 alternate probiotic intake at a dose of 0.50 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1) with four replicates. For the reproduction assay, 118 females and 48 males of Nile tilapia (proportion 4 males:9 females. hapa-1) (weight 527.65 g ± 185.98 g and length 30.16 cm ± 3.57 cm) were distributed into 12 hapas (3.5 × 2.0 × 1.5 m). Reproductive variables (spawning female percentage, egg production, and fry production) were used to calculate the economic feasibility indexes (total cost of nutrition [TcN], gross revenue [GR], and total operational profit [ToP]). The results show increasing values for spawning female number, collected eggs, and surviving fry in the probiotic groups. We recommend continuous intake of probiotic (feed with addition of probiotic) at a dose of 0.5 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1) during the breeding season of Nile tilapia, due to the suitable reproductive indexes and profitability.

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth performance, oxidative stress, and fatty acid profiles of lambari (Astyanax altiparanae) fed diets containing different lipid sources: soybean oil, linseed oil, and freshwater fish residue oil combined or otherwise with sesame oil (SEO). The fish (mean weight 0.95±0.46 g; mean length 4.21±2.77 cm) were distributed into 24 cages (cage capacity: 0.70 m3; fish density: 276 individuals m−3) in six treatments and four replicates. After 80 days of feeding, they were weighed, and samples were collected for assay of catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activities in muscle and analysis of the fatty acid profiles of polar and neutral fractions of whole eviscerated fish. The addition of SEO reduced docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3, DHA) levels but increased the percentage of highly unsaturated n-3 fatty acids and the DHA: eiocosapentaenoic acid ratio, while reduced GR and LDH enzyme activities in muscle. Thus, certain blends of oils added to fish diets can improve the lipid profile of lambari and protect consumers against reactive oxygen species.

RESUMO: Este trabalho fez a inclusão de óleo de gergelim associado ao óleo de soja, de linhaça e de resíduo de peixes de água doce nas dietas para avaliar o desempenho zootécnico, a composição química corporal e as possíveis alterações fisiológicas de lambari Astyanax altiparanae. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, avaliando-se dois parâmetros: três tipos de óleo (óleo de soja (SO), óleo de linhaça (LO) e óleo de resíduo de peixe de água doce (FRO)), associado ou não ao óleo de gergelim (SEO), totalizando seis tratamentos e quatro repetições (24 tanques-rede de capacidade útil de 0,70m3 (densidade de 251 peixes m-3). Os peixes (peso médio 2,35g±0,62g) e comprimento médio de 5,25cm±0,68cm) foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia com as dietas experimentais. Após 75 dias, foram feitas as análises de composição química e perfil de ácidos graxos corporal, glicemia, glicogênio hepático (LG) e muscular (MG), e peroxidação lipídica (TBARS) do tecido hepático. Os indivíduos que receberam dietas contendo SEO apresentaram valores mais altos de taxa de dessaturação de ácido linolênico; aqueles que receberam SEO e LO combinados demonstraram níveis reduzidos de oxidação lipídica do tecido hepático. A inclusão de SEO melhora o perfil de ácidos graxos e a estabilidade, sem provocar problemas relacionados ao desempenho e saúde dos peixes.

ABSTRACT: The inclusion of sesame oil associated with soybean, linseed and freshwater fish residue oil in the diets fed to Lambaris Astyanax altiparanaewas evaluated by the growth performance parameters, body composition and possible physiological changes (GARUTTI & BRISTSKI, 2000). The experiment was a completely randomized design in two factorial parameters tested: three oil types (soy oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) and freshwater fish residue oil (FRO)), combined or not with sesame oil (SEO), totalizing six treatments and four replications 24 cages, capacity of 0.70m3 (density of 251 fish m-3). The fish (mean weight 2.35g±0.62g and mean length 5.25cm±0.68cm) were fed with the experimental diets twice a day. After 75 days, the following parameters were determined: body chemical composition and fatty acid profile, glycemia, liver (LG) and muscle glycogen (MG) levels, and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Fish fed with diets containing SEO had higher desaturation index values of LNA while those fed with SEO combined with LO displayed reduced hepatic lipid oxidation. Inclusion of SEO improved the fatty acid profile and stability, without causing problems related to fish performance and health.