Trends in the use of feed and water additives in Egyptian tilapia culture

Abstract

This study reports the outcomes of a survey on the use of additives in 120 Egyptian grow-out farms carried out between 2018 and 2019. The survey focused on farms rearing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the biggest tilapia farming region in Egypt (Kafr El-Sheikh). Results were analysed to explore whether any type of additive was used, whether they were feed- or water-based and the frequency of use. A range of farm characteristics and farm management practices were used as independent variables to explain observed additive use patterns reported by farmers. The survey also gathered production data to explore a potential relationship between the use of additives and total marketable yield or mortality. The results of this survey display very low use of any sort of additive in this tilapia farming region (<33% of respondents) which is likely representative of practices in other production regions throughout the country. The most commonly reported additive classes were antibiotics, disinfectants and probiotics with the former two primarily used for treating disease after detecting mortalities in the ponds. Feed-based additives were used more frequently than water-based ones amongst which antibiotics were the most prevalent. There was no association between the use of additives and reported fish survival or total farm production. However, this is likely constrained by the small number of farms found to be using additives relative to the overall number of surveyed farms. Given the increasing trend in the use of additives in small-scale aquaculture, further efforts are needed to establish their cost-benefit and to promote their correct use where appropriate. Moreover, clear regulations are needed to prevent misuse of antimicrobials and minimise potential food safety concerns.