Effect of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) on the Reproductive Performance of the Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of folic acid on the reproductive efficiency and health of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). The adult broodstock fish were fed commercial diets (36% crude protein) supplemented with different graded levels of folic acid (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5mg/ kg diet) in addition to the fourth control group of un supplemented feed. Fish were stocked in separate hapas widened in four concrete ponds over three months. It was found that folic acid increased the total blood protein, albumin, globulins, and estradiol levels but suppressed blood ALT and AST activities and urea and creatinine levels in the adult Nile tilapia. Dietary folic acid (Vitamin B9) also plays a crucial role in enhancing reproductive performance since higher nutritional levels of folic acid significantly improve the fertility of fish males and females. It positively affected fish gonads histology with notable improvements. Additionally, the present study demonstrated non-significant adverse effects on fish blood biochemical and aminotransferases at moderate levels of supplemented folic acid. The current study suggested folic acid safety and efficacy as a dietary additive for fish well-being and good reproductive performance. The results advocate further exploring dietary folic acid in fish farming practices to optimize growth and reproductive health.