A short pulse of dietary algae boosts immune response and modulates fatty acid composition in juvenileOreochromis niloticus

Considering algae as novel dietary ingredient for aquafeeds, this study evaluates the effects of three algae,Ulva rigida,Crassiphycus corneus(formerlyHydropuntia cornea) andScenedesmus almeriensis, on non-specific immune response and fatty acid profile in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after a short dietary administration period (30 days).U. rigida,C. corneusandS. almeriensisdiets (UL-25, CC-25 and SC-25 respectively) included 25% dry algae biomass, whereas an algae-free diet was used as control. Biological samples were taken at 7, 15 and 30 days. Diet SC-25 significantly improved respiratory burst, alternative complement (ACH50) and lysozyme activity (p < .05). Regarding tissue fatty acid composition, SC-25 diet reduced the levels of saturated fatty acid in liver and muscle, while increased levels of C20:3n6 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in liver, and total n-3 content, arachidonic acid (ARA), EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in muscle (p < .05). UL-25 and CC-25 groups showed the lowest levels of ARA in liver but increased levels of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the results obtained lead us to consider the use of a short pulse of dietary algae is suited for improving the immune response and modulating the tissue fatty acid composition in this fish species.