article · Aquaculture Reports
Waterborne nickel contamination poses significant health risks to farmed Nile tilapia, leading to stunted growth, organ damage, and vulnerability to bacterial infections. This experimental study examined the protective effects of dietary supplementation with Silybum marianum and co-enzyme Q10, tested individually and together over forty days in nickel-exposed fish. The supplements significantly reversed nickel-induced anaemia, leukopenia, and organ dysfunction in liver, kidney, and spleen tissues. In addition, the treatments reduced nickel accumulation in organs, lowered oxidative stress markers, and corrected abnormal expression of immune-related genes. Following exposure, supplemented fish demonstrated significantly improved resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection compared to untreated, exposed groups. The combined or separate addition of Silybum marianum and co-enzyme Q10 supported fish health and growth under heavy metal stress, suggesting their utility as protective aquafeed additives for cultured freshwater species.
Heavy metal contamination in aquaculture waters impairs fish immunity, restricts growth, and increases susceptibility to deadly bacterial infections. Identifying effective dietary interventions helps protect aquatic livestock health without relying solely on pristine water sources. By improving disease resistance and reversing toxic damage in Nile tilapia, these feed supplements offer a practical approach to maintaining fish welfare and productivity in environments impacted by nickel pollution.
This research demonstrates potential applications in the aquafeed manufacturing sector, specifically for formulating functional feeds aimed at fish farmers operating in areas vulnerable to heavy metal contamination. Because the findings are based on a forty-day controlled laboratory feeding trial, the concept represents applied and tested research that requires larger-scale field validation, economic feasibility studies, and regulatory approval before feed producers can bring these additives to market.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
This study explored the effect of Silybum marianum (SLM) and/or co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) dietary supplementation on the health of nickel (Ni)-exposed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). For this purpose, 240 fish were divided into eight groups (30 fish/group). Four groups were reared in non-contaminated water and fed a non-supplemented basal diet, 10 g SLM /kg diet, 40 mg Co-Q10 mg/kg diet, and SLM+Co-Q10 containing diet. The other four groups were exposed to Ni (3.6 mg/L water) and fed a basal diet, SLM, Co-Q10, or SLM+Co-Q10 supplemented diets. After 40 days, the growth performance indicators and serum biochemical indices were estimated. Moreover, the mRNA levels of some immune-related genes were measured. Furthermore, the Ni content was estimated in various fish tissues. The histological architectures of hepatic, renal, and splenic tissues were examined. A 14 days challenge experiment was performed to assess the fish resistance to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results displayed that SLM and/or Co-Q10 significantly corrected the Ni-induced anemic and leukopenic conditions. In addition, SLM and/or Co-Q10 significantly mitigated the impaired growth and hepatic, splenic, and renal dysfunctions caused by Ni exposure. Also, exhausted immune and antioxidant components resulting from Ni exposure were significantly reestablished by SLM and/or Co-Q10. In addition, the reduced resistance of Ni-exposed fish to the P. aeruginosa infection was significantly reestablished in SLM and/or Co-Q10 groups. Moreover, SLM and/or Co-Q10 significantly suppressed the Ni-induced increase in serum malondialdehyde content and Ni accumulation in different organs. Additionally, the Ni-induced upregulation of the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1β, and CC chemokines but down-regulation of CXC and interleukin 10 mRNA levels were corrected in SLM and/or Co-Q10 groups. Overall, SLM and/or Co-Q10 may be beneficial dietary supplements for mitigating Ni's harmful effects in O. niloticus and improving growth, thereby providing a good aqua feed additive for cultured freshwater fish.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2022.101308
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
