It is well known that low water temperatures during the winter season affect fish and shrimp immunity, growth performances, and feed intake, among many other things. These conditions create oxidative stress that harms the reproduction process with lower gametes production, disturbing hormone levels and diminishing fertility. A new study conducted in Thailand assessed the benefits of carotenoids from Paracoccus carotinifaciens, known as Panaferd®, during this sensitive period on Nile tilapia.

• Experimental Set-Up

The effects of supplementary diets with Panaferd® were investigated on growth, immune response, and reproductive performance of broodstock of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) under winter conditions (low water temperature). Throughout an eight-week period, male and female tilapia were fed with diets containing different levels of Panaferd® dietary supplementation: 0 g/kg (T1; control), 5 g/kg (T2), 10 g/kg (T3), and 20 g/kg (T4). Afterward, a four-week mating system was implemented.

• Main Results

The results revealed that there were no significant differences observed in growth, hematological indices, and blood chemical profiles among all treatment groups for both male and female tilapia. However, a significant increase in cholesterol content was noted in both male and female tilapia fed with the T4 diet (p<0.05). Moreover, immunological parameters such as myeloperoxidase and antioxidant parameters in the liver, including superoxide dismutase activity and catalase enzyme activity, showed significant increases in tilapia fed at the highest concentration. The impact of Panaferd® supplementation on broodstock tilapia indicated a significant increase in spermatozoa concentration in males and increased egg production in females after consumption of the T4 diet (p<0.05>). Overall, this study confirmed the inclusion of astaxanthin-enriched P. carotinifaciens in the diet of broodstock Nile tilapia can improve antioxidant status and enhance immune function and reproductive capabilities, even under overwintering conditions.

For more information on this study:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10695-024-01331-8
Panase, P., Vongkampang, T., Wangkahart, E. et al. Impacts of astaxanthin-enriched Paracoccus carotinifaciens on growth, immune responses, and reproduction performance of broodstock Nile tilapia during winter season. Fish Physiol Biochem (2024).

• Conclusion

Panaferd®, through its unique natural carotenoid profile and chemical structure, confirms its bioavailability and benefits for species such as Nile tilapia. Winter stress presents severe challenges in fish and shrimp reproduction periods that Panaferd® helps to alleviate.

To learn more, feel free to contact our technical team.