Evaluation of rain tree seed protein concentrate as an alternative to soybean meal in the diet of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
摘要
Nowadays so many research studies were emerging on the incorporation of different protein concentrates on the feed as alternative of traditional protein sources. Protein concentrates are rich in protein and avoid of unwanted toxic compounds, so it can be safely use as an alternative ingredient in feed. A 60-day feeding experiment evaluated the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with rain tree seed protein concentrate (RTSPC) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. Five iso-nitrogenous (CP 30%) and iso-lipidic (CL 6%) diets were formulated, replacing SBM with RTSPC at 25, 50, 75, and 100% (RTSPC25, RTSPC50, RTSPC75, RTSPC100), along with a control (RTSPC0). In each tank 20 tilapia fingerlings (Avg wt. 1.81 ± 0.12 g) were randomly stocked and fed experimental diets twice daily. RTSPC75 and RTSPC100 groups showed significantly improved weight gain. Haemoglobin and glucose levels changed significantly (P < 0.05), while serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lower in higher inclusion groups. Amylase activity increased in RTSPC100. In liver tissue, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase), metabolic enzymes (HK, G6PDH, MDH), and growth gene expression (IGF-1) followed a linear trend with RTSPC inclusion. Overall, SBM can be fully replaced with RTSPC in Nile tilapia diets, enhancing growth, serum biochemistry, digestive enzymes, antioxidant defense, metabolism, and growth-related gene expression.