The effectiveness of the use of astaxanthin in production feeds for promising aquaculture objects

Abstract

When developing the composition of recipes for complete dry combined feeds in industrial aquaculture, in addition to their balance in terms of basic nutrients, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of a number of irreplaceable biologically active feed components in them. Among them, along with vitamins and minerals, are carotenoids – natural pigments contained in the natural food of fish. Carotenoids – play a different role in the metabolism of fish and are also pronounced antioxidants that protect the body from the action of free radicals. The article discusses the experience of using the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in feeding tilapia. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that has a huge impact on the functioning of all systems and overall health. But this practice has not affected mass thermophilic aquaculture species like tilapia, their muscle tissues and caviar are not stained under the action of astaxanthin, and its effect on the physiological status of fish, as well as antioxidant properties have not been studied. It was found that the addition of astaxanthin – 20.0 and 40.0 mg/ kg to the composition of production feeds allowed to increase productivity by 22.0 and 39.2%, respectively, as well as to have a positive effect on the physiological state of fish.