Publication Type
Journal Article
Publication Date (Issue Year)
2024
Journal Name
PLOS ONE
Abstract
Tilapia, a significant aquaculture species globally, relies heavily on feed for its production. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of soybean and seaweed-based diets on tilapia, a comprehensive understanding remains elusive. This review aimed at evaluating and synthesizing the existing literature on these diets’ effects, focusing on growth performance, feed utilization, and gut microbiota. A systematic search of databases was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a total of 57 studies were included in the qualitative analysis and 24 in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that soybean-based diets, at a 59.4% inclusion level improved the Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of tilapia with an effect size of -2.14 (95% CI: -2.92, -1.37; p < 0.00001; I2 = 99%) and did not improve the feed conversion rate (FCR), as the effect size was 1.80 (95% CI: 0.72, 2.89; p = 0.001; I2 = 100%). For seaweed-based diets, at a 15,9% inclusion level did not improve SGR, with an effect size of -0.74 (95% CI: -1.70, 0.22; p = 0.13; I2 = 99%), and the FCR with an effect size of -0.70 (95% CI: -1.94, 0.54; p = 0.27; I2 = 100%). Regarding the gut microbiota, was noted a lack of studies meeting the inclusion criteria for tilapia. However, findings from studies on other farmed fishes suggested that soybean and seaweed-based diets could have diverse effects on gut microbiota composition and promote the growth of beneficial microbiota. This study suggests that incorporating soybean-based diets at 59.4% inclusion can improve the SGR of tilapia. Seaweed-based diets, while not demonstrating improvement in the analyzed parameters with an inclusion level of 15.9%, have the potential to contribute to the sustainability of the aquaculture industry when incorporated at lower levels.
Keywords
soybean, seaweed-based, feed utilization, gut microbiota, tilapia, systematic review, meta-analysis
Rsif Scholar Name
Leonildo dos Anjo Viagem
Thematic Area
Food security and Agribusiness
Africa Host University (AHU)
Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania
Funding Statement
This study was supported by the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (PASET) through the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF) awarded to LA Viagem to carry out Ph.D. studies at SACIDS Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases, SACIDS Foundation for One Health
Recommended Citation
Viagem, L. d., Hakizimana, J. N., Rumisha, C., Cerozi, B., & Misinzo, G. (2024). Effect of soybean and seaweed-based diets on growth performance, feed utilization, and gut microbiota of tilapia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 19 (7), e0293775. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293775