Growth, metabolism and digestibility of Nile tilapia fed diets with solvent and extrusion-treated Jatropha curcas cake.

Physic nut Jatropha curcas cake/meal obtained after oil extraction has a high protein content, however, the presence of antinutrients (trypsin inhibitor, lectin and phytate) and toxic compounds (phorbol esters) limit their use as an alternative feedstuff. Thus, the detoxification process in cake/meal is necessary to allow their inclusion in fish diets. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of solvent and extrusion-treated jatropha cake (SETJC) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets on growth, body composition, nutrient utilization, metabolic and hematological responses, and digestibility of experimental diets. Five experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (28.50% digestible protein) and isoenergetic (13.39 MJ/kg digestible energy) with graded levels of SETJC (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12%). The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates. The detoxification treatments reduced the phorbol esters (PE) of jatropha cake by 96% (0.58 mg/g of PE before and 0.023 mg/g of PE after treatments). Increased levels of SETJC depressed growth, feed efficiency, and protein digestibility. A similar trend was observed for hematological and biochemistry parameters. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, as well as phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in the fillets, increased at the highest levels of SETJC. Thus, the data of the present study suggests that the residual content, different structural forms of phorbol ester and its biological activity, as well as some antinutritional factors, can influence negatively the growth, metabolism and digestibility of experimental diets for Nile tilapia.

Long-term reproductive effects of benzo(a)pyrene at environmentally relevant dose on juvenile female rats.

Since studies on the reproductive consequences after the exposure to environmentally relevant doses of Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) during critical stages of development are scarce, this study evaluated female reproductive parameters of adult rats exposed to a low dose of BaP during the juvenile phase. Female rats (Post-natal 21) were treated with BaP (0 or 0.1 µg/kg/day; gavage) for 21 consecutive days. During the treatment, no clinical signs of toxicity were observed. Nevertheless, the ages of vaginal opening and first estrus were anticipated by the BaP-exposure. At the sexual maturity, the juvenile exposure compromised the sexual behavior, as well as the placental efficiency, follicle stimulating hormone levels, placenta histological analysis, and ovarian follicle count. A decrease in erythrocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts also was observed in the exposed-females. Moreover, the dose of BaP used in this study was not able to produce estrogenic activity in vivo. These data showed that juvenile BaP-exposure, at environmentally relevant dose, compromised the female reproductive system, possibly by an endocrine deregulation; however, this requires further investigation.

Nutritional evaluation of crambe meal as a partial replacement of soybean meal in Nile tilapia diet.

A variety of plant protein sources have been evaluated in aquafeeds. Crambe meal (CM) has potential for inclusion in fish diets because of its nutritional composition. This study evaluated the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of crambe meal and its potential to partially replace soybean meal (SM) protein in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus diets. The ADC for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, energy, amino acids, calcium and phosphorus of CM were assessed in fish (n = 80; 65.30 ± 5.32 g). Subsequently, an 80-day feeding trial was conducted with Nile tilapia (n = 140; 6.04 ± 0.25 g) randomly distributed in 20 experimental cages (70 L; seven fish cage-1) allocated in five circular tanks (1000 L) in a recirculation water system, to evaluate the effects of replacement of SM by CM (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24% in isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets) on growth, blood parameters, fillet yield and proximal composition. The CM shows good digestibility of protein (0.824) and amino acids (0.844) by Nile tilapia and its inclusion in the diet does not affect carcass and fillet yield or proximal composition. Fish fed diets with 24.0% of the SM replaced by CM showed the worst weight gain and feed conversion rate. The protein efficiency ratio decreased in fish fed diets with 12.0, 18.0 and 24.0% of the SM replaced by CM. Hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total plasma protein, glucose and alanine aminotransferase enzyme activity trend to increase at highest levels of CM in the diet. In conclusion, CM has high digestibility of protein and amino acids for Nile tilapia. However, anti-nutritional factors present in untreated CM interfere on the growth and nutrient utilization of Nile tilapia.

Biomonitoring as a potential tool for water quality in tilapia culture: a case study of Baixa Mogiana region of São Paulo State, Brazil.

The objectives of this study were to test an artificial substrate sampler method for aquaculture ponds and assess the water quality based on the benthic macroinvertebrate community living in fishpond sediment at four farms with tilapia production in the Baixa Mogiana region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Benthic macroinvertebrates were monitored every 15 days for 3 months. Approximately 500,000 organisms distributed in 47 taxa were collected. Chironomidae, Glossiphonidae, Hirudinidae, Libelullidae, Oligochaeta, and Polycentropodidae were present in all collected samples, with the dominance of Chironomidae in the benthic community. Polycentropodidae, a sensitive family to organic pollution, had a greater abundance in fish farms with better environmental conditions. Significant differences in dissolved oxygen and pH were observed among fishponds at different fish farms. Biomonitoring with artificial substrate is a simple and low-cost alternative to monitoring water quality of tilapia culture in fishponds. The artificial substrate sampling method was effective, but the evaluation of more critical conditions of water quality would improve the method and enhance the knowledge of taxa and ecology of macrobenthic organisms in fishponds.

Comparative study of growth, feed efficiency, and hematological profile of Nile tilapia fingerlings in biofloc technology and recirculating aquaculture system.

The present study was conducted to compare the growth performance, feed efficiency, nitrogen retention, water quality, biofloc nutritional composition, and hematological profile of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings cultured in biofloc technology (BFT) and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) over a period of 60 days. This randomized study was designed with two treatments (BFT and RAS) and four replicates. Fish (n = 64; 7.29 ± 0.67) were allocated in eight 150 L aquaria kept at 26.72 ± 0.35 °C and fed until apparent satiation three times daily. Weight gain, apparent feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency of fish in BFT were statistically superior than in RAS. There were no differences (p > 0.05) for temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nitrogen compounds, indicating similarity in the water quality between BFT and RAS. Furthermore, hematological parameters did not show differences (p > 0.05) between the systems. The chemical composition of biofloc differed (p < 0.05) over the experimental period for crude protein and mineral matter. The best responses of growth performance and feed efficiency of Nile tilapia fingerlings in BFT highlight the importance of bioflocs as a high biological value complementary feed.

Risk assessment and acute toxicological effects of atrazine on Nile tilapia larvae after stress.

The present study aimed to evaluate the risk assessment, median lethal concentration LC50-96h, development, and mortality of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus larvae exposed to atrazine after stress management. An LC50-96h trial was carried out using fish (n = 147; 8.5 ± 1.0 mg; seven larvae/aquarium), which were allocated randomly in 21 aquaria (1 L) and exposed to five concentrations of atrazine: 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg L-1 plus one control (without herbicide) and a control with a solubility adjuvant (acetone). Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and total ammonia were measured daily. In addition, a stress test was performed with fish (n = 150; 17.9 ± 1.7 mg; 10 larvae/aquarium) submitted to air exposition (five minutes) and posteriorly distributed randomly in 15 aquaria (1 L), and exposed to atrazine at 0.18, 6, 12, and 18 mg L-1. The LC50-96h of atrazine for Nile tilapia larvae was 17.87 mg L-1. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for weight and final length, pH, and dissolved oxygen that was responsive to the increased levels of herbicide. Larvae mortality post-stress was registered to 6, 12, and 18 mg L-1 of atrazine, and was more critical at 24 h. The increased doses of atrazine used in LC50-96h test depressed the development of Nile tilapia larvae. Fish submitted to stress (air exposition) and exposed to sub-lethal doses of atrazine showed significant mortality, indicating that stressors may increase the toxic effect of atrazine for Nile tilapia larvae. On the other hand, based on risk assessment atrazine can be classified as herbicide with low toxicity for Nile tilapia larvae and low toxicological risk.

Exposure to benzo(a)pyrene from juvenile period to peripubertal impairs male reproductive parameters in adult rats.

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a persistent organic pollutant and endocrine disruptor that can compromise the steroidogenesis process by interacting with the StAR protein, causing adverse effects on male reproduction. However, consequences of prepubertal BaP exposure and its impacts on adult life are yet unknown. This study investigated the effects of BaP exposure from the juvenile period to peripubertal on reproductive parameters in adult male rats. Males were exposed to 0; 0.1; 1 or 10 µg/kg/day of BaP from post-natal (PND) 23 to PND 53 (by gavage). The lowest dose of BaP was able to compromise the male copulatory behavior, as evidenced by the delay in the first mount, intromission and ejaculation. Furthermore, BaP-treated groups showed lower sperm quality (disrupted motility and morphology) and quantity, reduced relative weights of the thyroid and seminal gland. Serum testosterone levels and the Leydig cells nuclei volume were decreased by BaP exposure whereas the StAR expression was increased. Histopathological changes in the testis also were detected in the males exposed to BaP. These results showed that prepubertal BaP-exposure adversely influenced the male reproductive system in the adult life, indicating that a comprehensive risk assessment of BaP-exposure on prepubertal period is necessary.

Effects of benzo(a)pyrene at environmentally relevant doses on embryo-fetal development in rats.

Studies have demonstrated that Benzo(a)Pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ubiquituous in the environment, can cause teratogenic effects. Since the majority of studies used in vitro models or high doses of BaP, this study evaluated the teratogenicity, reproductive and developmental performance of low doses of BaP through maternal and fetus examination after daily oral administration of BaP (0; 0.1; 1.0 or 10 µg/kg) to pregnant Wistar rats from Gestational day (GD) 6 to GD 15 (the organogenesis period). Pregnant rats did not exhibit clinical signs of toxicity during the exposure period. However, dams exposed to the lowest dose of BaP showed a reduction in the erythrocytes number and in the creatinine levels. The groups exposed to 0.1 and 1.0 µg/kg presented a decrease in placental efficiency, as well as an increase in placental weight. After fetal examination, the treated group with the lowest dose showed a reduced relative anogenital distance, while the curve of normal distribution of weight was changed in the highest dose group. In addition, anomalies evidenced by changes in the renal size and degree of fetal ossification were observed in treated-fetus. In conclusion, treatment with BaP during organogenesis at this dose level is detrimental to the normal development of fetuses.

Acute Toxicity and Risk Assessment of Florfenicol for Nile Tilapia Larvae.

The aim of this study was to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50-96h), effective concentration (EC50-96h), risk assessment, and development of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus larvae submitted to florfenicol (FF) exposure. Fish (n = 147; 8.6 ± 0.6 mg; 7 fish/aquarium) were randomly distributed in 21 aquaria (1 L) and exposed to five concentrations of FF 58.73; 131.31; 198.96; 241.88 and 381.81 mg L-1 plus one control and a control with solvent, totalizing seven treatments and three replicates. The estimated median LC50-96h of FF for Nile tilapia larvae was 349.94 mg L-1. The EC50-96h of FF was 500 mg L-1 for weight reduction and was 1040 mg L-1 for length reduction. After the exposure period, final weight and length differed (p < 0.05) among treatments, showing the lowest biometric values ​​with the highest concentrations of FF. The pH and dissolved oxygen were altered (p < 0.05) during the experimental period. The FF high doses used to determine the LC 50 after 96 h negatively affected the development of the larvae. On the other hand, through risk assessment analysis this antibiotic can be classified as low toxicity to Nile tilapia larvae and show low environmental risk.

Evaluation of the leaching of florfenicol from coated medicated fish feed into water.

Florfenicol is one of the most-used antimicrobial agents in global fish farming. Nevertheless, in most countries, its use is not conducted in accordance with good practices. The aim of this work was to evaluate the leaching of florfenicol from coated fish feed into the water. Analytical methods were developed and validated for the quantitation of florfenicol in medicated feed and water by UHPLC-MS/MS. Florfenicol residues in the water were quantified after 5- and 15-min exposures of the medicated feed in the water at 22 and 28 °C and at pH 4.5 and 8.0. The influence of pellet size and three coating agents (vegetable oil, carboxymethylcellulose, and low-methoxylated pectin) on the leaching of the drug was also assessed. Pellet size, coating agent, water temperature, and time of exposure significantly (p < 0.05) affected florfenicol leaching, while water pH did not interfere with the leaching. Coating with vegetable oil was the most efficient method to reduce florfenicol leaching, while coating with carboxymethylcellulose presented the highest leaching (approximately 60% after 15 min at 28 °C). Thus, the coating agent has a significant effect on the florfenicol leaching rate and, consequently, on the necessary dose of the drug to be administered. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that higher florfenicol leaching will pose a greater risk to environmental health, specifically in terms of the development of bacteria resistant to florfenicol. Additional studies are needed with other polymers and veterinary drugs used in medicated feed for fish farming.

Apparent digestibility of conventional and alternative feedstuffs by hybrid tambacu juveniles.

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC's) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) of conventional feedstuffs (cottonseed meal-CSM, soybean meal-SBM, wheat bran-WHB, corn-COR) and regional alternative feedstuffs (common bean residue meal-CBR, mesquite meal-MES, pasta by-product meal-PBM) were determined for hybrid juvenile tambacu Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus mesopotamicus. The apparent DM and GE digestibility of feedstuffs decreased (p<0.05) as fiber content of the ingredients increased. No differences (p>0.05) were found among ADC's of PBM and COR. The lowest CP ADC among energy sources was observed in MES; the lowest CP ADC among plant protein sources was observed in CBR. Information about the ADC's of conventional and alternative feedstuffs for tambacu is essential to formulate low-cost diets and can contribute to regional development.

Apparent digestibility of conventional and alternative feedstuffs by hybrid tambacu juveniles

ABSTRACT The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC's) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) of conventional feedstuffs (cottonseed meal-CSM, soybean meal-SBM, wheat bran-WHB, corn-COR) and regional alternative feedstuffs (common bean residue meal-CBR, mesquite meal-MES, pasta by-product meal-PBM) were determined for hybrid juvenile tambacu Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus mesopotamicus. The apparent DM and GE digestibility of feedstuffs decreased (p<0.05) as fiber content of the ingredients increased. No differences (p>0.05) were found among ADC's of PBM and COR. The lowest CP ADC among energy sources was observed in MES; the lowest CP ADC among plant protein sources was observed in CBR. Information about the ADC's of conventional and alternative feedstuffs for tambacu is essential to formulate low-cost diets and can contribute to regional development.

Glucan-MOS® improved growth and innate immunity in pacu stressed and experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila.

We tested the efficacy of a commercial product (Glucan-MOS®) derived from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, containing two combined products, ß-1,3-1,6 glucans and mannans on the growth, feed efficiency, stress and innate immune responses of juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) after a stressful handling and bacterial inoculation. For this, we evaluated the serum cortisol and plasma glucose levels, the respiratory activity of leukocytes, the serum lysozyme levels, as well as the number of circulating erythrocytes and leukocytes of fish fed during 30 days with diets containing increased levels of Glucan-MOS (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8%). The supplementation of 0.1% improved weight gain, feed conversion and the protein efficiency ratio compared to a control diet. The 0.2 and 0.4% Glucan-MOS® diets were sufficient to increase the respiratory burst of leukocytes and lysozyme activity, the number of thrombocytes, neutrophils and monocytes in the blood after a stressful handling and bacterial challenge, and minimized stress response as shown by decreased cortisol and glucose levels when compared to the control. The results of this work reinforce the benefits of the adoption of feeding strategies including combination of both ß-1,3-1,6 glucans and mannans as a dietary supplement in periods prior to intensive management. The 30-day period was sufficient to stimulate growth performance, improve nutrient utilization, minimize stress response and modulate innate immunity responses.

Incorporação de ômega-3 no tecido muscular da tilápia do Nilo alimentada com dietas contendo silagem de cabeça de camarão / Incorporation of n-3 in muscular tissue of Nile tilapia fed with shrimp head silage

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a incorporação de ômega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenóico) e DHA (docosahexanóico) no tecido muscular de tilápias do Nilo alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com diferentes níveis de silagem de cabeça de camarão Litopenaeus vannamei (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 por cento). Foram analisados os teores de EPA, DHA e lipídios totais das dietas e dos tecidos musculares das tilápias. Os teores de lipídios totais variaram entre 6,70 a 10,30 por cento nas dietas e 0,79 a 1,37 por cento no tecido muscular. Através da análise de regressão, houve um aumento nos teores de ômega-3 (r=0,92) com a inclusão da silagem na dieta. Foi observada incorporação de 0,59 por cento (1,34mg 100g-1) e 9,5 por cento (40,50mg 100g-1) de EPA e DHA, respectivamente, no tratamento com 16 por cento de silagem na dieta. A inclusão de 16 por cento da silagem ácida de cabeça de camarão na dieta das tilápias aumentou significativamente os níveis de incorporação de EPA e DHA no filé.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of diets supplemented with shrimp-head silage on the incorporation of n-3 in the Nile tilapia fillets. EPA (eicosapentaenoic), DHA (docosahexanoic) and total lipids were determined by chromatography in feeds and the muscles of tilapia specimens were submitted to diets supplemented with a varying degree of silage (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 percent). The total lipid content ranged from 6.70 to 10.30 percent in the diets and from 0.79 to 1.37 percent in the tilapia fillets. In diet with high concentration of silage, it was observed an increase in the level of omega-3 (r=0.92). There was an incorporation of 0.59 percent (1.34mg 100g-1) and 9.5 percent (40.50mg 100g-1) of EPA and DHA, respectively, when the addition of silage to the diet was 16 percent. The results implication states that the inclusion of 16 percent of the shrimp head silage in the diet for tilapias increases the levels of incorporation of EPA and DHA in the filet.

Heparina e Na2EDTA como anticoagulantes para surubim híbrido (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x P. corruscans): eficácia e alterações hematológicas / Heparin and Na2EDTA as anticoagulants for hybrid surubim catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum x P. corruscans): efficacy and hematological changes

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da heparina 100UI e do Na2EDTA nas concentrações de 3, 5 e 10 por cento sobre a coagulação sanguínea e os parâmetros hematológicos de surubim híbrido. Foram utilizados 10 peixes, com peso médio de 386,7±24,3g e comprimento total médio de 38,7±6,4cm, para colheita das amostras sanguíneas e determinação do percentual do hematócrito, teor de proteínas plasmáticas totais e teste de fragilidade osmótica dos eritrócitos (FOE). Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5 por cento de probabilidade. A coagulação foi eficientemente inibida quando utilizado o Na2EDTA; já as amostras com heparina coagularam 10 horas após a coleta. Houve aumento na fragilidade osmótica dos eritrócitos (P<0,01), especialmente quando utilizado o Na2EDTA 10 e 5 por cento, não havendo diferença entre o controle e a heparina. No hematócrito e teor de proteínas plasmáticas totais, não foram verificadas diferenças significativas. O Na2EDTA 3 por cento é seguro e eficiente como anticoagulante para surubim híbrido, prevenindo a coagulação por mais de 10h e ocasionando discreto efeito sobre a fragilidade osmótica dos eritrócitos.

The effect of heparin 100IU and Na2EDTA in concentration of 3 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent on the blood coagulation and hematological parameters of hybrid surubim catfish were evaluated. We used ten fish weighing 386,7±24,3g and average length of 38,7±6,4cm for collection of blood samples and determination of the percentage of hematocrit, plasma total protein content and osmotic fragility erythrocytes test (OFE). Data were submitted to analysis of variance and averages compared by Tukey test at 5 percent probability. Coagulation was efficiently inhibited when used the Na2EDTA, while the samples with heparin coagulate ten hours after collection. There was an increase in osmotic fragility of erythrocytes (P<0.01), especially when using Na2EDTA 10 percent and 5 percent, with no difference between control and heparin. In hematocrit and total plasma protein content were not observed statistical differences. The Na2EDTA 3 percent is safe and effective anticoagulant for hybrid surubim catfish, preventing clotting for more than 10 hours causing slight effect on the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes.

Induction and recovery time for dourados Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816) submitted to different concentrations of clove oil Eugenia sp - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.485 / Tempo de indução e de recuperação de dourados Salminus brasiliensis (Cuvier, 1816), submetidos a diferentes concentrações de óleo de cravo Eugenia sp. - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v30i3.485

The present study evaluated five different concentrations (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg L-1) of clove oil as an anesthetic for dourado juveniles, using induction and recovery time to determine the ideal concentration. Significant difference (p 0.05) was observed among 20, 30, 40 and 60 mg L-1 levels of clove oil. However, 50 mg L-1 concentration did not show significant difference in comparison to 40 and 60 mg L-1. Regarding recovery time, the shortest time was verified in the concentration of 20 mg L-1. Clove oil is effective and safe as an anesthetic for dourado juveniles in levels between 40 and 60 mg L-1.

O presente estudo avaliou o óleo de cravo como anestésico para juvenis de dourado em cinco diferentes concentrações (20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 mg L-¹), utilizando como critério para determinação da concentração ideal os tempos de indução e de recuperação ao efeito do anestésico. Em relação aos tempos de indução, verificou-se diferença significativa (p 0,05) entre as concentrações de 20, 30, 40 e 60 mg L-¹ de óleo de cravo. No entanto, a concentração de 50 mg L-¹ não diferiu estatisticamente dos níveis de 40 e 60 mg L-¹. Quanto à recuperação, o menor tempo foi verificado para a concentração de 20 mg L-¹. O óleo de cravo é eficiente e seguro como anestésico para juvenis de dourado, quando utilizado entre 40 a 60 mg L-¹.

Whole yeast and yeast derivatives in Nile tilapia diets: hematological and histological aspects- DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.161 / Levedura íntegra e derivados do seu processamento em rações para tilápia do Nilo: aspectos hematológicos e histológicos - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v28i4.161

The effects of inclusion of whole yeast, autolyzed yeast and yeast cell wall on hematological parameters and gut villus perimeter were evaluated in juvenile Nile tilapia, after 80 experimental days. Isoproteic (32.0% DP) and isoenergetic (3200 kcal DE kg-1) practical diets were supplemented with three levels of whole yeast or autolyzed yeast (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0%) and three levels of yeast cell wall (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%), plus a control diet (with no test microingredients). Red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, total plasmatic protein, hematocrit percentage, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and gut villus perimeter were evaluated. Variations on hematological parameters in animals fed diets with whole yeast; autolyzed yeast and yeast cell wall were observed to be within normal ranges for this species. There was significant influence (p

Os efeitos da inclusão de levedura íntegra, levedura autolisada e parede celular para juvenis da tilápia do Nilo sobre parâmetros hematológicos e perímetro das vilosidades intestinais foram avaliados após 80 dias de experimento. Foram utilizadas rações práticas isoprotéicas (32,0% PD) e isoenergéticas (3.200 kcal ED kg-1 de ração) suplementadas com três níveis de levedura íntegra ou autolisada (1,0; 2,0 e 3,0%) e três níveis de parede celular (0,1; 0,2 e 0,3%), além de uma ração controle, isenta destes microingredientes. Foram avaliados a contagem de eritrócitos, taxa de hemoglobina, proteína plasmática total, porcentagem de hematócrito, volume globular médio, concentração de hemoglobina globular média e o perímetro das vilosidades intestinais. Constatou-se que as variações nos parâmetros hematológicos dos animais alimentados com levedura íntegra, levedura autolisada e parede celular estão dentro da faixa de normalidade para a espécie. Houve influência significativa (p 0,05) dos diferentes níveis de levedura e derivados sobre o perímetro das vilosidades intestinais. Pode-se concluir que o período experimental e os níveis adotados neste estudo para levedura íntegra, levedura autolisada e parede celular não provocam alterações prejudiciais nos padrões hematológicos de tilápia do Nilo e podem ser utilizados com segurança para comporem rações para esta espécie e que a suplementa