Journal Article
Graded inclusion levels of shrimp head meal in digestible-based diets improve nutrient utilization and physiological responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
Guilherme Melgaço Heluy; Maria Angélica da Silva; Vivian Costa Vasconcelos; Douglas Lemos de Souza; Gerlayne Maria dos Santos; José Domingos Carneiro de Arcanjo; Bruna Emanuelle Gomes do Nascimento; Marcele Trajano de Araújo; Thiago Barbosa Cahú; Bruno Oliveira de Veras; Romero Marcos Pedrosa Brandão Costa; Ronaldo Olivera Cavalli; Maria do Carmo Mohaupt Marques Ludke; Juliana Ferreira dos Santos; Ranilson de Souza Bezerra
Aquaculture International · Vol. 34, Issue 3 · 2026
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of dietary shrimp head meal (SHM) on growth performance, metabolism, antioxidant status, and health of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were precisely formulated on a digestible nutrient basis, containing graded SHM levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%), and fed for 45 days to fish (3.24 ± 0.07 g) reared in 50 L tanks (10 fish tank −1 ; four replicates diet −1 ) within a recirculating aquaculture system. Growth performance increased significantly with SHM inclusion, and quadratic regression analyses suggested an estimated inclusion level near 16% associated with maximal weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Improved eviscerated weight and whole-body protein, together with reduced hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indexes and lipid content, indicated a shift toward lean growth and efficient nutrient utilization. Enhanced villus height and elevated digestive enzyme activities (amylase, proteases, and lipases) confirmed superior nutrient assimilation. Antioxidant defenses were strengthened by higher catalase and glutathione activities in liver and muscle, while feed malondialdehyde content decreased with increasing SHM levels during storage. Hematological and biochemical improvements, including higher erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts, elevated serum protein fractions, and lower glucose, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels, reflected enhanced metabolic regulation, immune competence, and hepatoprotection. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SHM functions not only as a sustainable protein source but also as a functional feed ingredient that enhances physiological resilience. The valorization of shrimp-processing residues through SHM inclusion supports circular bioeconomic development and sustainable intensification in aquaculture.