Improving winter production of Nile tilapia: What can be done?

Despite being a tropical species, Nile tilapia is farmed in many subtropical regions worldwide, including southern Brazil, China, and Egypt, where production is hindered during the colder months of the year. This review aimed to identify and synthesize the main aspects that affect cold tolerance in Nile tilapia. There is sufficient evidence in the literature to show that modulation of dietary lipid amount and profile, for example, adding long chain n-3 fatty acids, can be vital for improving the physiological response of fish to cold. However, outdoor studies to validate these findings are yet needed. It is also important to understand how lipid metabolism and dietary supplementation of key compounds that improve membrane function, such as phospholipids and cholesterol, affect cold tolerance in Nile tilapia. Husbandry practices, including the use of large fish, bio-floc technology, and strains more tolerant to low temperatures can also improve Nile tilapia cold tolerance; however, these factors should be investigated in combination with adequate nutrition.