Physiological and Growth Responses of Nile Tilapia Juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus) to Different Cyclic Fasting–Refeeding Regimens
Acta Aquatica Turcica, cilt.22, sa.3, ss.1-14, 2026 (TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 22 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.22392/actaquatr.1907673
- Dergi Adı: Acta Aquatica Turcica
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-14
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Feed restriction is an aquaculture tool used to trigger compensatory growth, a phase where organisms accelerate performance. This study evaluated the effects of four cyclic fasting/refeeding regimes on growth performance and physiological status of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were assigned to a control (G-C) or four cyclic treatments: GI-F2R5 (2 days fasting/5 days refeeding), GII-F3R4 (3 days fasting/4 days refeeding), GIII-F7R7 (7 days fasting/7 days refeeding), and GIV-F7R14 (7 days fasting/14 days refeeding). Although the control showed the highest mean weight gain, no significant differences in final body weight were observed (p > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved significantly in all cyclical treatments, particularly in GIII. Hematological indices, including red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, were stable or increased, while white blood cell counts were generally lower but not significantly different (p > 0.05). Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin rose, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration slightly declined. Regarding oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, assessed via malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was lower in the GI group than the control, while other treatments showed non-significant increases (p > 0.05). While plasma glucose remained stable (p > 0.05), total protein decreased and lactate dehydrogenase activity rose with longer fasting. Immune parameters, including lysozyme and immunoglobulin, and digestive enzyme activities decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The results suggest that short-term cyclical fasting promotes compensatory growth and feed efficiency while largely preserving hematological health; however, declines in immune and digestive functions must be considered. The GI-F2R5 protocol provided better balance between growth and health.