Role of some commercial aqueous additives in growth, blood chemistry, intestinal enzymes, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared under a zero-water exchange system

Hamed H. E. Saleh; Basem S. Abdelaty; Mohamed A. Elokaby; Hala S. Khalil; Nehal M. N. Elkhouly; Mohamed M. A. Hebalah; Mohamed M. I. Kord; Ahmed M. H. Kotit; Mohamed F. Abdel-Aziz

doi:10.2478/aoas-2027-0005

Role of some commercial aqueous additives in growth, blood chemistry, intestinal enzymes, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared under a zero-water exchange system

Volume 27 (2027): Issue 1 (January 2027)

By: Hamed H. E. Saleh, Basem S. Abdelaty, Mohamed A. Elokaby, Hala S. Khalil, Nehal M. N. Elkhouly, Mohamed M. A. Hebalah, Mohamed M. I. Kord, Ahmed M. H. Kotit and Mohamed F. Abdel-Aziz

Open Access

|Oct 2026

Abstract

Egypt’s limited freshwater resources affect the quantity and quality of water available for fish farming. Therefore, biological applications in aquaculture may be one of the tools to address water shortages or extend desert aquaculture, and they are sustainable. Therefore, an 84-day fish-rearing experiment was performed under unchanged water conditions using watery additives from three commercial products of probiotics and prebiotics. Four hundred and fifty Nile tilapia juveniles were randomly stocked in 15 rectangular fiberglass tanks (water volume: 1.5 m³) with a density of 30 fish/tank, and their initial weight was 20.00 ± 1.00 g. Five experimental groups were coded as follows: group of control A (CA): fish were raised without water exchange, using no water additives; group of control B (CB): water was replaced every week at a rate of 50% without water additives. The remaining three groups were also kept under zero-water exchange condition, with the water additives provided once a week – for group 1, PRO (a mixture of Bacillus spp.): 4 g/tank/week; for group 2, YUC (a commercial product of yucca extract): 4 ml/tank/week; and for group 3, a commercial product of effective microorganisms (EMs): 4 ml/tank/week. A basal floating feed containing 30% crude protein with a pellet diameter of 2 mm was used. Water quality measures were strictly monitored. The results showed that the treated and control groups had statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in all indicators, either biological or physiological, in addition to water quality, which showed low ammonia concentration in the treated groups, especially EMs. In the same manner, EMs had the best growth rate, blood hemato-biochemical, immunological status, and digestive enzyme activity, followed by YUC, PRO, and CB, respectively. Our work demonstrated that biological applications play a crucial and important role in sustaining aquaculture, addressing the shortage of water resources, and improving their quality.

References

Abarike E. D., Cai J., Lu Y., Yu H., Chen L., Jian J., Tang J., Jun L., & Kuebutornye F. K. (2018). Effects of a commercial probiotic BS containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis on growth, immune response and disease resistance in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 82, 229–238. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.08.037.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Aziz M., Bessat M., Fadel A., & Elblehi S. (2020). Responses of dietary supplementation of probiotic effective microorganisms (EMs) in Oreochromis niloticus on growth, hematological, intestinal histopathological, and antiparasitic activities. Aquaculture International, 28(3), 947–963. doi: 10.1007/s10499-019-00505-z.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Aziz M. F., Abdel-Tawwab Y. A., Sadek M. F., & Yones A. M. M. (2021). Evaluation of use effective microorganisms (EM) with different feeding strategies on growth performance, body chemical composition and economic efficiency of monosex Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Aquatic Living Resources, 34, Article 21. doi: 10.1051/alr/2021021.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Aziz M. F., El Basuini M. F., Sadek M. F., Elokaby M. A., El-Dakar A. Y., Metwally M. M., Shehab A., Mabrok M., & Abdel Rahman A. N. (2024). Unchanged water stress induces growth retardation, histopathological alterations, and antioxidant-immune disruptions in Oreochromis niloticus: The promising role of dietary organic acids. Aquaculture International, 32(5), 6031–6052. doi: 10.1007/s10499-024-01454-y.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Aziz M. F., Alkaradawe R. M., Saleh H. H., Azm F. R. A., Elokaby M. A., Yones A. M. M., & Hamza D. S., Kasem N. R. (2025). Growth, immunity, and antioxidant activity responses of phytobiotics and probiotics incorporated into Oreochromis niloticus diets under stressors of unchanged water. Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 44668. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-30248-2.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Latif H. M., Soliman A. A., Khaled A. A., Kord M., Abdel-Tawwab M., Darwish S., Grana Y. S., Zaki M., Nour A. E., Ali E., & Khalil H. S. (2022). Growth performance, antioxidant activities, and immunological responses of hapa-reared thinlip mullet (Liza ramada) juveniles fed on diets supplemented with spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 130, 359–367. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.026.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Tawwab M., & El-Araby D. A. (2021). Immune and antioxidative effects of dietary licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) on performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) and its susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Aquaculture, 530, Article 735828. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.735828.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdel-Tawwab M., Mounes H. A., Shady S. H., & Ahmed K. M. (2021). Effects of yucca, Yucca schidigera, extract and/or yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as water additives on growth, biochemical, and antioxidants/oxidant biomarkers of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Aquaculture, 533, Article 736122. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736122.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Abdul-Kari Z., Wee W., Mohamad-Sukri S. A., Che-Harun H., Hanif-Reduan M. F., Irwan-Khoo M., Van Doan H., Goh K. W., & Wei L. S. (2022). Role of phytobiotics in relieving the impacts of Aeromonas hydrophila infection on aquatic animals: A mini-review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, Article 1023784. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1023784.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Adam A. H., Verdegem M., Soliman A. A., Zaki M., Khalil R. H., Nour A. E. M., Khaled A. A., El Basuini M. F., & Khalil H. S. (2023). Effect of dietary bile acids: Growth performance, immune response, genes expression of fatty acid metabolism, intestinal, and liver morphology of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Aquaculture Reports, 29, Article 101510. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2023.101510.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Adegbeye M. J., Elghandour M. M. Y., Monroy J. C., Abegunde T. O., Salem A. Z. M., Barbabosa-Pliego A., & Faniyi T. O. (2019). Potential influence of Yucca extract as feed additive on greenhouse gases emission for a cleaner livestock and aquaculture farming – A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 239, Article 118074. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118074.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Aitzhanova A., Oleinikova Y., Mounier J., Hymery N., Leyva Salas M., Amangeldi A., Alimzhanova M., Ashimuly K., Sadanov A., & Sadanov A. (2021). Dairy associations for the targeted control of opportunistic Candida. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 37(8), Article 143. doi: 10.1007/s11274-021-03096-1.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Alagawany M. M., Farag M. R., Dhama K. D., El-Hack M. E. A., Tiwari R. T., & Alam G. M. (2015). Mechanisms and beneficial applications of resveratrol as feed additive in animal and poultry nutrition: A review. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 3(3), 1–9. doi: 10.14737/journal.aavs/2015/3.3.1.9.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Alagawany M., Abd El-Hack M. E., Farag M. R., Elnesr S. S., El-Kholy M. S., Saadeldin I. M., & Swelum A. A. (2018). Dietary supplementation of Yucca schidigera extract enhances productive and reproductive performances, blood profile, immune function, and antioxidant status in laying Japanese quails exposed to lead in the diet. Poultry Science, 97(9), 3126–3137. doi: 10.3382/ps/pey186.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Amenyogbe E., Droepenu E. K., Ayisi C. L., Boamah G. A., Duker R. Q., Abarike E. D., & Huang J. S. (2024). Impact of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on digestive enzymes, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense in fish farming: Current insights and future perspectives. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, Article 1368436. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1368436.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
American Public Health Association. (2000). Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. American Public Health Association, (18th ed.).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Badran H. F., Khalil R. H., Aboul Ela H. M., & Khalil H. S. (2026). Evaluation of caper (Capparis spinosa) extract supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant activity, innate immunity, immune-related gene expression, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Litopenaeus vannamei. Frontiers in Marine Science, 13, Article 1845788. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2026.1845788.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Becker A. G., Parodi T. V., Heldwein C. G., Zeppenfeld C. C., Heinzmann B. M., & Baldisserotto B. (2012). Transportation of silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, in water with eugenol and the essential oil of Lippia alba. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 38(3), 789–796. doi: 10.1007/s10695-011-9562-4.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bilen S., Altief T. S., Özdemir K. Y., Salem M. A., Terzi E., & Güney K. (2020). Effect of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract on growth performance, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 46(1), 471–481. doi: 10.1007/s10695-019-00737-z.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bohlouli S., & Sadeghi E. (2016). Growth performance and haematological and immunological indices of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings supplemented with dietary Ferulago angulata (Schlecht) Boiss. Acta Veterinaria Brno, 85(3), 231–238. doi: 10.2754/avb201685030231.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Boyd C. E. (2017). General relationship between water quality and aquaculture performance in ponds. In: Fish diseases. Ed. B. Austin, Academic Press, pp. 147–166. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804564-0.00006-5.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Caglia S. (2013). Nitrogen removal in the pilot plant ITEST (Increased Technology in Sewage Treatment) Degree project, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Diva Portal. https://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:646399/FULLTEXT01.pdf.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cha J. H., Rahimnejad S., Yang S. Y., Kim K. W., & Lee K. J. (2013). Evaluations of Bacillus spp. as dietary additives on growth performance, innate immunity and disease resistance of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) against Streptococcus iniae and as water additives. Aquaculture, 402–403, 50–57. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.03.030.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chan C., & Mosbah M. (2024). Exploring the future climate change impact on Egypt’s capture fisheries and aquaculture. WorldFish. https://worldfishcenter.org/blog/exploring-future-climate-change-impact-egypts-capture-fisheries-and-aquaculture.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chelikani P., Fita I., & Loewen P. C. (2004). Diversity of structures and properties among catalases. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 61(2), 192–208. doi: 10.1007/s00018-003-3206-5.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cheok C. Y., Salman H. K., & Sulaiman R. (2014). Extraction and quantification of saponins: A review. Food Research International, 59, 16–40. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2014.01.057.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cordeau S., Triolet M., Wayman S., Steinberg C., & Guillemin J. P. (2016). Bioherbicides: Dead in the water? A review of the existing products for integrated weed management. Crop Protection, 87, 44–49. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2016.04.016.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dacie J. V., & Lewis S. M. (2006). Practical haematology (10th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Deng J., Zhang X., Sun Y., Mi H., & Zhang L. (2021). Effects of different types of non-starch polysaccharides on growth, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal barrier function and antioxidant activity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture Reports, 21, Article 100864. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2021.100864.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dhanasiri A. K., Jaramillo-Torres A., Chikwati E. M., Forberg T., Krogdahl Å., & Kortner T. M. (2023). Effects of dietary supplementation with prebiotics and Pediococcus acidilactici on gut health, transcriptome, microbiota, and metabolome in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) after seawater transfer. Animal Microbiome, 5(1), Article 10. doi: 10.1186/s42523-023-00228-w.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Di J., Chu Z., Zhang S., Huang J., Du H., & Wei Q. (2019). Evaluation of the potential probiotic Bacillus subtilis isolated from two ancient sturgeons on growth performance, serum immunity and disease resistance of Acipenser dabryanus. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 93, 711–719. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.08.020.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Diab A. S., Abdel-Hadi Y. M., Ahmed M. H., Saber S. F., & Aboel-Atta M. E. (2006). Out-door study on the use of echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), marjoram (Origanum dictamnus) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as feed additives for Oreochromis niloticus. Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Research, 84(1B), 537–551.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dondajewska R., Kozak A., Rosińska J., & Gołdyn R. (2019). Water quality and phytoplankton structure changes under the influence of effective microorganisms (EM) and barley straw – Lake restoration case study. Science of the Total Environment, 660, 1355–1366. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.071.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Drapeau G. R. (1976). Protease from Staphylococcus aureus. Methods in Enzymology, 45, 469–475. doi: 10.1016/S0076-6879(76)45041-3.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Elabd H., Wang H.-P., Shaheen A., & Matter A. (2020). Nano Spirulina dietary supplementation augments growth, antioxidative and immunological reactions, digestion, and protection of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, against Aeromonas veronii and some physical stressors. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 46(6), 2143–2155. doi: 10.1007/s10695-020-00864-y.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
El-Agri A. M., Saleh H. H., Elokaby M. A., Khalil H. S., Elkhouly N., Abdelaal A., El Basuini M. F., Nour A. M., Zaki M. A., Azm F. R. A., Abdel-Wahed R. K., & Hussein G. H. G. (2026). Pesticide accumulation in tissues of cultured Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus: Effects on biochemical biomarkers and associated human health risks. Environmental Sciences Europe, 38(1), Article 107. doi: 10.1186/s12302-026-01432-6.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
El-Dakar Y., Shalaby S. M., Elsheikh E. A., El-Desoki A. A., El Basuini M. F., Ahmed-Farid O. A. H., & Abdel-Aziz M. F. (2023). Assessing chamomile and marjoram meals as feed additives on growth indices and haematological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared under biofloc system. Scientific African, 21, Article e01755. 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01755.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ellis A. E. (1999). Immunity to bacteria in fish. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 9(4), 291–308. doi: 10.1006/fsim.1998.0192.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
El-Ouny Y. M., Maulu S., Zaki M. A., Helaly A. A., Nour A. A. M., El Basuini M. F., Labib E. M., Khalil R. H., Gouda A. H., Hessein A. A., Verdegem M., & Khalil H. S. (2023). Effect of fishmeal replacement with dried red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) worm meal on growth and feed utilization, production efficiency, and serum biochemistry in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Aquaculture Reports, 29, Article 101518. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2023.101518.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Emerson K., Russo R. C., Lund R. E., & Thurston R. V. (1975). Aqueous ammonia equilibrium calculations: Effect of pH and temperature. Journal of the Fisheries Board of Canada, 32(12), 2379–2383. doi: 10.1139/f75-274.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fadel A., Metwally M. M., Hassan H. U., Abdelmageed A. A., Arai T., Ahmed M. Z., & Abdel-Aziz M. F. (2024). Growth, immunomodulatory, histopathological, and antibacterial effects of phytobiotic-incorporated diets on Oreochromis niloticus in unchanged water. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11, Article 1473053. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1473053.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Farhangi M., & Rostami-Charati F. (2012). Increasing of survival rate to Acipenser persicus by added clinoptilolite zeolite in acute toxicity test of ammonia. AACL Bioflux, 5(1), 18–22.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Farmer E. E., & Davoine C. (2007). Reactive electrophile species. Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 10(4), 380–386. doi: 10.1016/j.pbi.2007.04.019.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Fayed W. M., Khalil R. H., Sallam G. R., Mansour A. T., Elkhayat B. K., & Omar E. A. (2019). Estimating the effective level of Yucca schidigera extract for improvement of the survival, haematological parameters, immunological responses and water quality of European seabass juveniles (Dicentrarchus labrax). Aquaculture Reports, 15, Article 100208. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2019.100208.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2022). FishStatJ: Universal software for fishery statistical time series: Aquaculture production 1950–2020. https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/statistics/software/fishstatj.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Francis-Floyd R., Watson C., Petty D., & Pouder D. B. (2009). Ammonia in aquatic systems (Circular 16). University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gao F. Y., Qu L., Yu S. G., Ye X., Tian Y. Y., Zhang L. L., Bai J., & Lu M. (2012). Identification and expression analysis of three c-type lysozymes in Oreochromis aureus. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 32(5), 779–788. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.01.031.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gross A., & Boyd C. E. (1998). A digestion procedure for the simultaneous determination of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in pond water. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 29(3), 300–303. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-7345.1998.tb00650.x.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guim A., Andrade P. D., Iturrino-Schocken R. P., Franco G. L., Ruggieri A. C., & Malheiros E. B. (2002). Estabilidade aeróbica de silagens de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) emurchecido e tratado com inoculante microbiano [Aerobic stability of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum) silages wilted and treated with microbial inoculant]. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 31(5), 2176–2185. doi: 10.1590/S1516-35982002000900010.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hai N. V. (2015). The use of probiotics in aquaculture. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 119(4), 917–935. doi: 10.1111/jam.12886.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hainfellner P., Cardozo M. V., Borzi M. M., Almeida C. C., José L., Pizaur L., Pablo S.-I. R., Nogueira de C. G., & Ávila F. A. (2018). Commercial probiotic increases survival rate and water quality in aquariums with high density of Nile tilapia larvae (Oreochromis niloticus). International Journal of Probiotics and Prebiotics, 13(4), 143–150.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Han B., Long W. Q., He J. Y., Liu Y. J., Si Y. Q., & Tian L. X. (2015). Effects of dietary Bacillus licheniformis on growth performance, immunological parameters, intestinal morphology and resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to challenge infections. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 46(2), 225–231. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.06.018.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Haridas V., Arntzen C. J., & Gutterman J. U. (2001). Avicins, a family of triterpenoid saponins from Acacia victoriae (Bentham), inhibit activation of nuclear factor-κB by inhibiting both its nuclear localization and ability to bind DNA. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(20), 11557–11562. doi: 10.1073/pnas.191363498.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hasan K. N., & Banerjee G. (2020). Recent studies on probiotics as beneficial mediator in aquaculture: A review. The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology, 81, Article 53. doi: 10.1186/s41936-020-00190-y.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hassan S. A., Sharawy Z. Z., Hemeda S. A., El Nahas A. F., Abbas E. M., Khalil H. S., & Verdegem M. (2023). Sugarcane bagasse improved growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, microbial dynamics, and mRNA transcripts of immune-, growth, and antioxidant-related genes of Litopenaeus vannamei in a zero-water exchange system. Aquaculture Reports, 33, Article 101788. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2023.101788.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hernandez L. H. H., Barrera T. C., Mejia J. C., Mejia G., Del Carmen M., Dosta M., Andrade D., & Sotres J. A. M. (2010). Effects of the commercial probiotic Lactobacillus casei on the growth, protein content of skin mucus and stress resistance of juveniles of the Porthole livebearer Poecilopsis gracilis (Poecilidae). Aquaculture Nutrition, 16(4), 407–411. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2095.2009.00679.x.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ibrahim R. E., Elshopakey G. E., Abd El-Rahman G. I., Ahmed A. I., Altohamy D. E., Zaglool A. W., Younis E. M., Abdelwarith A. A., Davies S. J., Al-Harth H., & Rahman A. N. A. (2022). Palliative role of colloidal silver nanoparticles synthetized by moringa against Saprolegnia spp. infection in Nile tilapia: Biochemical, immuno-antioxidant response, gene expression, and histopathological investigation. Aquaculture Reports, 26, Article 101318. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2022.101318.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jia Y., Xie T., Gao Y., Qin H., & Guan C. (2022). Anesthetics efficacy and physiological response of MS222 and clove oil in spotted knifejaw Oplegnathus punctatus. Aquaculture Reports, 25, Article 101201. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2022.101201.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kausar R., & Sultan M. (2006). Effect of water temperature on the growth performance and feed conversion ratio of Labeo rohita. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 26(3), 105–108.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Khalil H. S., Mansour A. T., Goda A. M. A., & Omar E. A. (2019). Effect of selenium yeast supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, lipid profile, liver and intestine histological changes, and economic benefit in meagre, Argyrosomus regius, fingerlings. Aquaculture, 501, 135–143. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.11.018.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Khalil H. S., & Nasr-Allah A. (2025). Comparative study on the effect of Raceway and In-Pond Raceway Systems on different Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus strains fed diets replacing soybean meal by poultry byproduct meal on: Water quality, growth performance and production efficiency. Aquaculture International, 33(4), Article 258. doi: 10.1007/s10499-025-01920-1.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Khalil H. S., Saleh H. H., Asmaa M., Elokaby M. A., Elkhouly N. M., Alkobaby A. I., Hussein G. H., Abdel-Wahed R. K., El Basuini M. F., & Sadek M. F. (2026). Orange peel meal as a functional feed supplement mitigates heavy metal effects and enhances growth performance, immunity and antioxidant status in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings reared in heavy metal-polluted water. Aquaculture, 579, Article 744007. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2023.744007.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kord M. I., Srour T. M., Omar E. A., Farag A. A., Nour A. A. M., & Khalil H. S. (2021). The immunostimulatory effects of commercial feed additives on growth performance, non-specific immune response, antioxidants assay, and intestinal morphometry of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, Article 627499. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.627499.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kord M. I., Maulu S., Srour T. M., Omar E. A., Farag A. A., Nour A. A. M., Hasimuna O. J., Abdel-Tawwab M., & Khalil H. S. (2022). Impacts of water additives on water quality, production efficiency, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and immunological responses of Nile tilapia fingerlings under a zero-water-exchange system. Aquaculture, 547, Article 737503. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2021.737503.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kosov S., Shirahama K., Li C., & Grzegorzek M. (2018). Environmental microorganism classification using conditional random fields and deep convolutional neural networks. Pattern Recognition, 77, 248–261. doi: 10.1016/j.patcog.2017.12.021.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lara-Flores M., Olvera-Novoa M. A., Guzmán-Méndez B. E., & López-Madrid W. (2003). Use of the bacteria Streptococcus faecium and Lactobacillus acidophilus, and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as growth promoters in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture, 216(1–4), 193–201. doi: 10.1016/S0044-8486(02)00409-X.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lawson T. B. (1995). Water quality and environmental requirements. In: Fundamentals of aquacultural engineering (pp. 12–39). Springer, pp. 12–39. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4615-7047-9_2.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Liu C. H., Chiu C. H., Wang S. W., & Cheng W. (2012). Dietary administration of the probiotic, Bacillus subtilis E20, enhances the growth, innate immune responses, and disease resistance of the grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 33(4), 699–706. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.06.012.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mansour A. T., Goda A. M. A., Omar E. A., Khalil H. S., & Esteban M. Á. (2017). Dietary supplementation of organic selenium improves growth, survival, antioxidant and immune status of meagre, Argyrosomus regius, juveniles. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 68, 516–524. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.07.060.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mansour A. T., Allam B. W., Srour T. M., Omar E. A., Nour A. A. M., & Khalil H. S. (2021). The feasibility of monoculture and polyculture of striped catfish and Nile tilapia in different proportions and their effects on growth performance, productivity, and financial revenue. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(6), Article 586. doi: 10.3390/jmse9060586.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Marzouk Y., Gaber M. M., Ahmad I., Ahmed I., El Basuini M. F., Zaki M. A., Nour A. M., Labib E. H., & Khalil H. S. (2024). Impacts of poultry by-product meal substituting fishmeal on growth efficiency, body composition, liver, and intestine morphology of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Food Chemistry Advances, 4, Article 101569. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101569.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mashoof S., & Criscitiello M. F. (2016). Fish immunoglobulins. Biology, 5(4), Article 45. doi: 10.3390/biology5040045.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Maulu S., Hasimuna O. J., Mphande J., & Munang’andu H. M. (2021). Prevention and control of streptococcosis in tilapia culture: A systematic review. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 33(3), 162–177. doi: 10.1002/aah.10134.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mehrim A. I., & Refaey M. M. (2023). An overview of the implication of climate change on fish farming in Egypt. Sustainability, 15(2), Article 1679. doi: 10.3390/su15021679.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mirghaed A. T., Fayaz S., & Hoseini S. M. (2019). Effects of dietary 1, 8-cineole supplementation on serum stress and antioxidant markers of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) acutely exposed to ambient ammonia. Aquaculture, 509, 8–15. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2019.04.071.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mohamed Y. T., Shalaby S. M., El-Dakar A. Y., Rashad M. M., & Abdel-Aziz M. F. (2024). Impact of dietary essential oils of coriander (Corriandrum sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) on growth, digestive enzymes, antioxidant activity and intestinal histology of fingerling Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Mediterranean Aquaculture Journal, 11(2), 1–14.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Munir M. B., Hashim R., Chai Y. H., Marsh T. L., & Nor S. A. M. (2016). Dietary prebiotics and probiotics influence growth performance, nutrient digestibility and the expression of immune regulatory genes in snakehead (Channa striata) fingerlings. Aquaculture, 460, 59–68. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.03.041.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mur R. (2014). Development of the aquaculture value chain in Egypt: Report of the national innovation platform workshop, Cairo, 19–20 February 2014. WorldFish.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Narmatha V., Bhavan P. S., Karthik M., Srinivasan V., Mahendran R., & Satgurunathan T. (2017). Lactobacillus fermentum on ammonia reduction and growth promotion of Macrobrachium rosenbergii post-larvae, and in vitro competitive exclusions of pathogenic bacteria. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5(1), 506–514.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ozkay F., Tas I., Ozkandan H., Gunal A. C., Yeter T., Gorgisen C., Cakir B. I., Kutlu B., Inan M. S., & Ates E. (2022). Use of active microorganism in improving pond water quality: Case study of Beytepe Pond. Current Trends in Natural Sciences, 11(21), 399–407. doi: 10.47068/ctns.2022.v11i21.044.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Palatnik-de-Sousa C. B., Santos W. R., Casas C. P., De Souza E. P., Tinoco L. W., Da Silva B. P., Palatnik M., & Parente J. P. (2004). Protective vaccination against murine visceral leishmaniasis using aldehyde-containing Quillaja saponaria sapogenins. Vaccine, 22(19), 2470–2479. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.01.072.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Pandis N., Jin Y., Gorunova L., Petersson C., Bardi G., Idvall I., Ingvar C., Mandahl N., Mitelman F., & Heim S. (1995). Chromosome analysis of 97 primary breast carcinomas: Identification of eight karyotypic subgroups. Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, 12(3), 173–185. doi: 10.1002/gcc.2870120304.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Paray B. A., El-Basuini M. F., Alagawany M., Albeshr M. F., Farah M. A., & Dawood M. A. (2021). Yucca schidigera usage for healthy aquatic animals: Potential roles for sustainability. Animals, 11(1), Article 93. doi: 10.3390/ani11010093.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Patra R. C., Rautray A. K., & Swarup D. (2011). Oxidative stress in lead and cadmium toxicity and its amelioration. Veterinary Medicine International, 2011, Article 457327. doi: 10.4061/2011/457327.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Randall D. J., & Tsui T. K. N. (2002). Ammonia toxicity in fish. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 45(1–12), 17–23. doi: 10.1016/S0025-326X(02)00227-8.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Reham A. A., Mounes H. A. M., & Ahmed K. M. (2019). Use of humic acid and Yucca extract as a benefactor on water quality and their impact on some hematological and histological parameters of Oreochromis niloticus. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 22(5), 447–460. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2018.23661.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Reitman S., & Frankel S. (1957). A colorimetric method for the determination of serum glutamic oxalacetic and glutamic pyruvic transaminases. American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 28(1), 56–63. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/28.1.56.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Riche M., & Garling D. (2003). Feeding tilapia in intensive recirculating systems (Technical Bulletin No. 114). North Central Regional Aquaculture Center.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ringø E., & Gatesoupe F. J. (1998). Lactic acid bacteria in fish: A review. Aquaculture, 160(3–4), 177–203. doi: 10.1016/S0044-8486(97)00299-8.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Saleh H. H. E., Attia E. S. I., Abdel-Aziz M. F., Abdelwarith A. A., Younis E. M., Helal A. M., Davies S. J., & Soaudy M. R. (2025a). Evaluation of some commercial water additives of probiotics and yucca on water quality, blood biochemistry, sex hormones, reproductive and fry performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that were reared under unchanged water. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 24(1), 1224–1238. doi: 10.1080/1828051X.2025.2506735.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Saleh H. H. E., Abdel-Aziz M. F., Abdelaty B. S., Bazina W. K., Basuini M. F. E., Darwish S. I., & Khalil H. S. (2025b). Watery yucca (Yucca schidigera) additions and biofloc as closed water systems: An assessment of their effects on reproductive efficiency, biochemistry and blood gases, and fry performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture International, 33(5), Article 390. doi: 10.1007/s10499-025-02063-z.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Salin K. R., & Vinh N. T. (2023). Biofloc technology in aquaculture. In S. K. Gupta & J. K. Sundaray (Eds.), Frontiers in aquaculture biotechnology (pp. 69–88). Academic Press. 10.1016/B978-0-323-91240-2.00017-8.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sallam G. R., Aly H. A., Lotfy A. M., Abdel-Rahim M. M., Fayed W. M., Teiba I. I., Mzengereza K., Tembo M., Singini W., Habib Y. J., & Shehata A. I. (2024). Natural zeolite for heavy metal, ammonia removal, and physiological responses in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles tanks with different densities. PLoS One, 19(4), Article e0297844. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297844.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sankar H., Philip B., Philip R., & Singh I. S. B. (2017). Effect of probiotics on digestive enzyme activities and growth of cichlids, Etroplus suratensis (pearl spot) and Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia). Aquaculture Nutrition, 23(4), 852–864. doi: 10.1111/anu.12452.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Santacruz-Reyes R. A., & Chien Y. H. (2010). Yucca schidigera extract – A bioresource for the reduction of ammonia from mariculture. Bioresource Technology, 101(14), 5652–5657. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.01.127.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Soliman N. F., & Yacout D. M. M. (2016). Aquaculture in Egypt: Status, constraints and potentials. Aquaculture International, 24(5), 1201–1227. doi: 10.1007/s10499-016-9989-9.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Song S. K., Beck B. R., Kim D., Park J., Kim J., Kim H. D., & Ringø E. (2014). Prebiotics as immunostimulants in aquaculture: A review. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 40(1), 40–48. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.06.016.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sun Y. Z., Yang H. L., Ma R. L., & Lin W. Y. (2010). Probiotic applications of two dominant gut Bacillus strains with antagonistic activity improved the growth performance and immune responses of grouper Epinephelus coioides. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 29(5), 803–809. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2010.07.018.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Swann L. (1997). A fish farmer’s guide to understanding water quality. Aquaculture Extension, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tachibana L., Telli G. S., de Carla Dias D., Goncalves G. S., Ishikawa C. M., Cavalcante R. B., Natori M. M., Hamed S. B., & Ranzani-Paiva M. J. T. (2020). Effect of feeding strategy of probiotic Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, hematologic, biochemical parameters and non-specific immune response of Nile tilapia. Aquaculture Reports, 16, Article 100277. doi: 10.1016/j.aqrep.2020.100277.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Taoka Y., Maeda H., Jo J. Y., Kim S. M., Park S. I., Yoshikawa T., & Sakata T. (2006). Use of live and dead probiotic cells in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Fisheries Science, 72(4), 755–766. doi: 10.1111/j.1444-2906.2006.01215.x.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tietz N. W. (1995). Clinical guide to laboratory tests. W.B. Saunders, (3rd ed.).
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tovar-Ramírez D., Infante J. Z., Cahu C., Gatesoupe F. J., & Vázquez-Juárez R. (2004). Influence of dietary live yeast on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larval development. Aquaculture, 234(1–4), 415–427. doi: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2004.01.028.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang L., Wu D., Fan Z., Li H., Li J., Zhang Y., Xu Q., Wang G., & Zhu Z. (2020). Effect of Yucca schidigera extract on the growth performance, intestinal antioxidant status, immune response, and tight junctions of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 103, 211–219. doi: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.05.039.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang Y. B., Xu Z. R., & Xia M. S. (2005). The effectiveness of commercial probiotics in northern white shrimp Penaeus vannamei ponds. Fisheries Science, 71(5), 1036–1041. doi: 10.1111/j.1444-2906.2005.01061.x.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wang Y., Xu P., Nie Z., Li Q., Shao N., & Xu G. (2019). Growth, digestive enzymes activities, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared at different stocking densities in in-pond raceway recirculating culture system. Aquaculture Research, 50(4), 1338–1347. doi: 10.1111/are.14010.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wilkinson P. C. (1977). Techniques in clinical immunology. Blackwell.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Xia Y., Wang M., Gao F., Lu M., & Chen G. (2020). Effects of dietary probiotic supplementation on the growth, gut health and disease resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Animal Nutrition, 6(1), 69–79. doi: 10.1016/j.aninu.2019.07.002.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Xu J., Moore B. N., & Pluznick J. L. (2022). Short-chain fatty acid receptors and blood pressure regulation: Council on hypertension mid-career award for research excellence 2021. Hypertension, 79(10), 2127–2137. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.122.18558.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yacout D. M., Khalil H. H., & Yacout M. M. (2025). Climate change impacts on Egyptian aquaculture: Challenges, opportunities, and research gaps. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 9, Article 1527798. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2025.1527798.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Yang G., & Wang R. (2015). H2S and blood vessels: An overview. Advances in Pharmacology, 75, 85–110. doi: 10.1016/bs.apha.2015.05.001.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zakaria M. K., Kari Z. A., Van Doan H., Kabir M. A., Che Harun H., Mohamad Sukri S. A., & Wei L. S. (2022). Fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diets: Effects on growth performance, fish gut microbiota analysis, blood haematology, and liver morphology. Life, 12(11), Article 1851. doi: 10.3390/life12111851.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zaki M. A., Khalil H. S., Allam B. W., Khalil R. H., Basuini M. F. E., Nour A. E. A. M., Labib E. M., Elkholy I. S., Verdegem M., & Abdel-Latif H. M. (2023). Assessment of zootechnical parameters, intestinal digestive enzymes, haemato-immune responses, and hepatic antioxidant status of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings reared under different stocking densities. Aquaculture International, 31(5), 2451–2474. doi: 10.1007/s10499-023-01111-w.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zeitoun M. M., El-Azrak K. D. M., Zaki M. A., Nemat-Allah B. R., & Mehana E. S. E. (2016). Effects of ammonia toxicity on growth performance, cortisol, glucose and hematological response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aceh Journal of Animal Science, 1(1), 21–28. doi: 10.13170/ajas.1.1.3788.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zheng C. C., Wu J. W., Jin Z. H., Ye Z. F., Yang S., Sun Y. Q., & Fei H. (2020). Exogenous enzymes as functional additives in finfish aquaculture. Aquaculture Nutrition, 26(2), 213–224. doi: 10.1111/anu.12995.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zhou X., Tian Z., Wang Y., & Li W. (2010). Effect of treatment with probiotics as water additives on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance and immune response. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 36(3), 501–509. doi: 10.1007/s10695-009-9320-z.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Zimmermann S., Kiessling A., & Zhang J. (2023). The future of intensive tilapia production and the circular bioeconomy without effluents: Biofloc technology, recirculation aquaculture systems, bio-RAS, partitioned aquaculture systems and integrated multitrophic aquaculture. Reviews in Aquaculture, 15(S1), 22–31. doi: 10.1111/raq.12744.
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/aoas-2027-0005 | Journal eISSN: 2300-8733 (formerly 1642-3402) | Journal ISSN: 1642-3402

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 65 - 82

Submitted on: Jan 15, 2026

Accepted on: Jun 11, 2026

Published on: Oct 14, 2026

Published by: National Research Institute of Animal Production

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

Nile tilapia,

Water shortages,

EMs,

Probiotics and prebiotics,

Sustainable aquaculture

Related subjects:

Medicine,

Veterinary medicine

© 2026 Hamed H. E. Saleh, Basem S. Abdelaty, Mohamed A. Elokaby, Hala S. Khalil, Nehal M. N. Elkhouly, Mohamed M. A. Hebalah, Mohamed M. I. Kord, Ahmed M. H. Kotit, Mohamed F. Abdel-Aziz, published by National Research Institute of Animal Production
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 27 (2027): Issue 1 (January 2027)