TY  - JOUR
T1  - Utilising water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets: Effects on growth, digestibility, and optimal inclusion rate
AU  - Vodounnou, Juste Vital
AU  - Tokeme, Nicaise
AU  - Iko, Romaric
AU  - Coulibaly, Safiatou
AU  - Ahouansou Montcho, Simon
AU  - Micha, Jean Claude
PY  - 2025
DA  - July
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.3153/AR25020
JF  - Aquatic Research
JO  - Aquat Res
PB  - Nuray ERKAN ÖZDEN
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2618-6365
SP  - 207
EP  - 217
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
LA  - en
AB  - This study investigates the potential of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaves as a protein-rich dietary alternative for Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). Water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant with promising nutritional properties, including moderate protein content and low levels of antinutritional factors. The digestibility of WH leaves was assessed, and their optimal incorporation level in fish feed was evaluated. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for WH leaf were 77.49% (dry matter), 69.58% (crude protein), and 59.14% (energy). Six experimental diets containing 0–12% WH leaf were formulated and fed to O. niloticus fingerlings over 45 days. Growth performance, feed utilisation, and carcass composition were analysed. Results showed that inclusion levels up to 6% did not significantly affect growth, feed conversion ratio, or protein efficiency; however, inclusion levels above 6% led to reduced zootechnical performance and a lower nutritional quality of fish flesh. Survival rates remained unaffected across all treatments. The study concludes that WH leaves can be safely included in tilapia diets at a maximum of 6% without adverse effects on growth, feed efficiency, or flesh quality, offering a sustainable feed alternative in aquaculture.
KW  - Incorporation
KW  - Digestibility
KW  - Tilapia diet
KW  - Water hyacinth
CR  - Abo-State, H.,Yasser Hammouda, H.Y., El-Nadi, A., Abo Zaid, H. (2014). Evaluation of feeding raw moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves meal in Nile tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. Global Veterinaria, 13(1), 105-111.
CR  - Abou, Y., Fiogbe, E.D., Micha, J-C. (2007). Effects of stocking density on growth, yield and profitability of farming Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L., fed Azolla diet, in earthen ponds. Aquaculture Research, 38, 595-604. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2007.01700.x
CR  - Agbohessou, P.S., Mandiki, R., Gougbédji, A., Megido, R.C., Lima, L.M.W., Cornet, V., Lambert, J., Purcaro, G., Francis, F., Lalèyè, P.A., Kestemont, P. (2021). Efficiency of fatty acid-enriched dipteran-based meal on husbandry, digestive activity and immunological responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Aquaculture, 545, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.737193
CR  - Alofa, C.S., Olodo, I.Y., Chabi Kpéra Orou Nari, M., Abou, Y. (2023). Effects of the fresh and dried housefly (Musca domestica) larvae in the diets of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758): growth, feed utilisation efficiency, body composition and biological indices. Aquatic Research, 6(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR23001
CR  - AOAC (Association of Official Agricultural Chemists) (2005). Official Methods of Analysis (18th ed.) Gaithersburg, MD: Association of Official Analytical Chemists.
CR  - A-Rahman Tibin, M.E., Abol-Munafi, A.B., Amiza, AM, KhodaBakhsh, H., Adam Sulieman, H.M. (2012). Apparent digestibility coefficient of pelleted fish feed incorporated with water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research, 2, 30-33.
CR  - Chabi, I.B., Kayodé, A.P.P., Agassoussi, O.A.S., Agbobatinkpo, P.B., Chikouand, A., Codjia, J.T.C. (2015). Development and bioefficacy study of plant-based proteins diets for juvenile African catfish. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 94, 8801-8808. https://doi.org/10.4314/jab.v94i1.2
CR  - Cho, C.Y., Cowey, C.B., Watanabe, T. (1985). Finfish nutrition in Asia. Methodological approaches to research and development. International Research Center Development. (Canada), Ottawa, Ontario, 154. http://hdl.handle.net/10625/7242
CR  - Da, C.T., Lundh, T., Lindberg, J.E. (2013). Digestibility of dietary components and amino acids in plant protein feed ingredients in feed in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypothalamus) fingerlings. Aquaculture Nutrition, 19, 619–628. https://doi.org/10.1111/anu.12011
CR  - Dagno, K., Lahlali, R., Friel, D., Bajji, M., Jijakli, H. (2007).  Bibliographic summary: problem of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, in particular its eradication by the control biologically through phytopathogens. Biotechnology Agronomy and Society and Environment, 11(4), 299–311.
CR  - Djissou, A.M.S., Tossavi, C.E., Odjo, N.I., Koshio, S., Fiogbe, E.D.F. (2019). Use of Moringa oleifera leaves and maggots as protein sources in complete replacement for fish meal in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 20(3), 177-183. http://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v20_3_02
CR  - Djissou, A.S.M., Ochiai, A., Koshio, S., Fiogbe, E.D. (2017). Effect of total replacement of fishmeal by earthworm and Azolla filiculoides meals in the diets of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) reared in concrete tanks. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 64(1), 31-36. https://doi.org/10.21077/ijf.2017.64.1.55317-05
 
Edwards, P., Kamal, M., Wee, K.L. (1985). Incorporation of composted and dried water hyacinth in pelleted feed for the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Peters). Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, 1, 233-248. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.1985.tb00312.x
CR  - El-Saidy, D.M.S.D., Gaber, M.M.A. (2003). Replacement of fish meal with a mixture of different plant protein sources in juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) diets. Aquaculture Research, 34, 1119–1127. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2109.2003.00914.x
 
El-Sayed, A., Tashima, S.-I. (1992). Protein and energy requirement of Nile Tilapia. fingerlings (O. niloticus). Aquaculture, 103(1), 55-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(92)90278-S
CR  - FAO (2020). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture: influencing action toward sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
CR  - Fox, L.J., Struik, P.C., Appleton, B.L., Rule, J.H. (2008). Nitrogen phyto remediation by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms). Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 194, 199–207. 
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9708-x
CR  - Francis, G., Makkar, H.P.S., Becker, K. (2001). Antinutritional factors present in plant-derived alternate fish feed ingredients and their effects in fish. Aquaculture, 199(3-4), 197–227.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0044-8486(01)00526-9
CR  - Furukawa, A. Tsukahara, H. (1966). On the acid digestion method for the determination of chromic oxide as an index substance in the study of the digestibility of fish diet. Bulletin of the Japanese Society of Scientific Fisheries, 32, 502-506. https://doi.org/10.2331/suisan.32.502
CR  - Hasan, M., Moniruzzaman, M., Farooque, A.M. (1990). Evaluation of leucaena and water hyacinth leaf meal as dietary protein sources of the fry of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), In: R. Hirano and I. Hanyu (Eds.), Proceedings of the Second Asian Fisheries Forum. Asian Fisheries Society, Manila, Philippines, 275-278. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejnf.2015.105109
CR  - Hassan, T.M.M., Abdella, M. M., El-Sayaad, G. A., Kelyni R. Z. A. (2015). Effect of feeding different levels of water hyacinth on performance of growing rabbits. Egyptian J. Nutrition and Feeds, 18(2), 223-228.
CR  - Hien, T.T., Phuong, N.T., Le Tu T.C., Glencross, B. (2010).  Assessment of methods for the determination of digestibility of feed ingredients for Tra catfish, Pangasinodon hypothalamus. Aquaculture Nutrition, 16, 351-358. 
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2095.2009.00671.x
CR  - Hontiveros, G.J.S., Serrano, J.A.E. (2015). Nutritional value of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf protein concentrates for aquafeeds. AACL Bioflux, 8(1), 26-33.
CR  - Koprucu, K., Ozdemir, Y. (2005). Apparent digestibility of selected feed ingredients for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture, 250(1-2), 308–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2004.12.003
CR  - Lareo, L., Bressani, R. (1982).  Possible utilization of the water hyacinth in nutrition and industry. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 4(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1177/156482658200400403
CR  - Mahmood, S., Khan, N., Iqbal, K.J., Ashraf, M., Khalique, A. (2016). Evaluation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) supplemented diets on the growth, digestibility and histology of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fingerlings. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 46(1), 24–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2016.1256291
CR  - Mbagwu, I.G., Adeniji, H.A. (1988). The nutritional content of duckweed (Lemna paucicostata) in the Kainji Lake area, Nigeria. Aquatic Botany, 29, 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-3770(88)90079-4
CR  - Md Mostafizur, R., Hyon-Sob, H., Kang-Woong, K., Kyoung-Duck, K., Bong-Joo, L., Sang-Min, L. (2016). Apparent digestibility coefficients of the extruded pellet diets containing various fish meals for olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 19(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41240-016-0027-7
CR  - Mugo-Bundi, J., Oyoo-Okoth, E., Ngugi, C.C., Manguya-Lusega, D., Rasowo, J., Chepkirui-Boit, V., Opiyo, M., Njiru, J. (2015). Utilization of Caridina nilotica (Roux) meal as a protein ingredient in feeds for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture Research, 46, 346–357. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.12181
CR  - Ng, W.K., Liew, F.L., Ang, L.P., Wong, K.W. (2001). Potential of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) as an alternative protein source in practical diets for African catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Aquaculture Research, 32, 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1355-557x.2001.00024.x
CR  - Nor, F.N., Zulkifli, M., Seng, L., Shapawi, R., Yong, S.A., Senoo, S., Devic, E., Kawamura, G., Mustafa, S. (2019). Apparent digestibility coefficient of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in formulated diets for hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ x Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂). AACL Bioflux, 12(2), 513-522.
CR  - NRC (2011). Nutrient requirements of fish and shrimp. National Research Council of the National Academies, Washington. D.C. (U.S.)1- 363.
CR  - Panini, R.L., Freitas, L.E.L., Guimarães, A.M., Rios, C., da-Silva, M.F.O., Viera, F.N., Fracalossi, D.M., Samuels, R.I., Predêncio, E.S., Silva, C.P., Amboni, R.D.M.C. (2017). Potential use of mealworms as an alternative protein source for Pacific white shrimp: Digestibility and performance. Aquaculture, 473, 115-120.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2017.02.008
CR  - Saha, S., Ray, A.K. (2011). Evaluation of nutritive value of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf meal in compound diets for rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings after fermentation with two bacterial strains isolated from fish gut. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 11, 199-207.
CR  - Sayed-Lafi, R.M., Al-Tameemi, R.A., Gowdet, A.I. (2018). Evaluation of raw and fermented water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) incorporated diets on growth and feed efficiency of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella). Basrah Journal of Agriculture Sciences, 31(1), 31–39. https://doi.org/10.37077/25200860.2018.73
CR  - Shanab, S.M.M., Hanafy, E.A., Shalaby, E.A. (2018). Water hyacinth as nonedible source for biofuel production. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 9, 255–264. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-016-9816-6
CR  - Sklan, D., Prag, T., Lupatsch, I. (2004). Apparent digestibility coefficients of feed ingredients and their prediction in  
diets for tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis aureus (Teleostei, Cichlidae). Aquaculture Research, 35 (4), 358– 364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2004.01021.x
CR  - Tchiaze, I.A.V., Priso, R.J. (2016). Repartition and valorization of invasive macrophyte in the coastline (Cameroun): Case of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms-Laubach. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 100, 9522 – 9534.
CR  - Vodounnou, J.V., Dossa V., Djissou, C., Kpogue, D., Agadjihouede, H., Fiogbe, E.D., Micha, J-C. (2024). Feeding Optimization of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Leaves as Rearing Substrate for the Production of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae. Waste and Biomass Valorization, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-023-02408-w
CR  - Vodounnou, J.V., Iko, R., Okou, G., Kpogue, D., Ahouansou Montcho, S., Micha, J-C. (2025). Complete Substitution of fish meal with black soldier flies Hermetia illucens (L. 1758) larvae meal at varying incorporation rates for feeding Oreochromis niloticus raised in captivity. Aquaculture science and management, 2, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44365-024-00004-0
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3153/AR25020
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4695785
ER  -