Dietary astaxanthin supplementation improves semen quality and systemic physiological health in pubertal male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

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Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of dietary astaxanthin on sperm quality and physiological indicators of pubertal male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). Fish (32.42 ± 0.51 g) were allocated to 16 tanks in recirculating aquaculture system (220 L; 5 fish tank −1 ), with four replicate tanks per dietary treatment, and fed for 45 days with diets containing 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg kg −1 astaxanthin derived from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis . Astaxanthin supplementation markedly improved seminal traits: males receiving 50–150 mg kg −1 exhibited significantly greater semen volume, sperm concentration and motility, and a higher proportion of morphologically normal sperm than controls ( P < 0.05). Semen from supplemented groups also showed reduced catalase activity and malondialdehyde levels ( P < 0.05), indicating lower oxidative stress. Growth performance and survival did not differ among treatments ( P > 0.05). Hematologically, astaxanthin, particularly at 100–150 mg kg −1 , increased lymphocyte proportions while decreasing circulating neutrophils, monocytes, and thrombocytes ( P < 0.05). Serum biochemistry indicated changes in metabolic status at 100–150 mg kg −1 , with reduced glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase, and elevated total protein, albumin, and globulin ( P < 0.05). Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary astaxanthin, particularly at 100–150 mg kg −1 , supports semen quality and physiological status in pubertal male Nile tilapia without compromising growth.
Funding Information
  • Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (BFP-0014-5.06/22)
  • Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (APQ-1152-5.06/22)
  • Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco (APQ-1219-5.06/21)
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (88887.641240/2021-00)
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (PQ 307107/2019-1)
  • Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco

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