The Aquaculture Research Group at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in collaboration with colleagues from NOFIMA and the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, has published a new study highlighting the importance of manganese for the growth and larval development of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), offering practical recommendations for optimizing diets for this species.
By improving the understanding of how manganese supplementation can influence skeletal development and the overall health of the larvae, this study contributes to enhancing the efficiency and profitability of aquaculture operations.
As is well known, skeletal deformities and oxidative stress are common issues that can affect the quality and viability of fish. These deformities can reduce feeding efficiency, increase mortality, and ultimately negatively impact the profitability of aquaculture operations.
In the study, the larvae were fed six experimental diets with different levels of manganese supplementation over a period of 26 days. The additive was included in the experimental feeds in the form of manganese sulfate monohydrate due to its high solubility, bioavailability, chemical stability, ease of mixing, and effectiveness in improving fish growth and skeletal health.
Manganese levels of 200 milligrams per kilogram and 270 milligrams per kilogram in the diet were particularly effective in promoting optimal growth and a high concentration of manganese in the body. These supplementation levels reduced skeletal abnormalities and the expression of antioxidant genes. Additionally, this range of supplementation showed no signs of toxicity.
Reference:
Y. Tseng, D. Dominguez, U. Sivagurunathan, et al. Effects of the dietary supplementation of manganese on growth, skeletal development, oxidative stress and bone metabolism related genes in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) larvae. Aquaculture (2024)
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