Supplementation with microencapsulated lemongrass essential oil improves protein deposition and carcass yield in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

Resumo

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil (EO) on productive performance, metabolic parameters and body and fillet composition of adult silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen. Total length, condition factor, weight gain, specific growth rate, hepatosomatic index, visceral fat content and fillet composition were not affected by EO supplementation. Plasma total protein, globulin and triglycerides were reduced by EO supplementation. Supplementation with 1 mL EO kg^-1 diet increased carcass yield and protein deposition in the carcass, while reducing gonadosomatic index and fat deposition in the carcass when compared to control group. In addition, 1 mL EO kg^-1 diet also improved feed intake when compared to 3 mL EO kg^-1 diet. Our results suggest that EO up to 1 mL kg^-1 diet can be used in fish feed to improve protein deposition and carcass yield of silver catfish.