Recent research led by Márcia Valéria Silva do Couto from the Department of Animal Science has shed light on the benefits of incorporating virgin coconut oil (VCO) into the diet of tambaqui fish (Colossoma macropomum). Published in the journal Aquaculture Nutrition, this study could have significant implications for aquaculture practices and the commercial fish farming industry.
The study explored various dietary levels of virgin coconut oil, replacing traditional soybean oil in the fish’s diet. The researchers formulated six different diets, each containing a fixed amount of crude lipid and protein, but varying the percentage of VCO from 0% to 100%. The results were striking: fish that consumed a diet with 50% VCO exhibited the highest growth rates and biomass, showing a weight gain of 15.4 grams on average, compared to those on other diets.
One of the standout findings was that the inclusion of 50% VCO not only enhanced growth performance but also improved the fish’s body composition. Specifically, the fish fed this diet saw an increase in body protein without a corresponding rise in body fat. This is particularly appealing for aquaculture producers looking to maximize the health and marketability of their fish. The study also noted a reduction in triglycerides and cholesterol levels in fish consuming 50% VCO, indicating potential health benefits.
Another critical aspect of the research was the fish’s resistance to bacterial infections. After a controlled bacterial challenge, fish on diets containing 100% soybean oil or 100% VCO experienced significant mortality rates of 41.67% and 100%, respectively. In contrast, tambaqui fed 25% and 50% VCO showed no signs of disease or mortality, highlighting the potential of VCO to bolster the fish’s immune response against pathogens like Aeromonas hydrophila.
“This study recommends dietary inclusion of 50% virgin coconut oil in substitution to soybean oil as a lipid source in diets for C. macropomum to improve growth performance, body protein, and resistance against pathogenic bacteria,” stated lead author Márcia Valéria Silva do Couto. This finding not only paves the way for healthier fish but also opens avenues for coconut oil producers and aquaculture businesses to collaborate, potentially fostering a more sustainable and profitable industry.
As aquaculture continues to grow in importance as a food source globally, the integration of alternative lipid sources like virgin coconut oil could provide a strategic advantage. This research emphasizes the need for innovation in fish farming diets, which can lead to healthier fish populations and more resilient aquaculture practices, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers alike.
