Abstract

The impact using Homeopatila 100^® on cultured Nile tilapia in high-density cages (1240 individuals) was assessed by measuring the oxidative state and related parameters as well as the quality of muscle tissue. Males with sexual inversion from a homogenous tilapia population were randomly distributed in 10 cages with storage volume of units of 1.2 m^-3 for a period of 91 days. Two diets were assessed: 1 (control) to 40 ml of hydroalcoholic solution (alcohol 30° GL)/kg of feed; 2 to 40 ml of the homeopathic product per kg of feed. The experiment involved the monitoring of physical and chemical parameters of water. At the final stage of the experimental period, hepatoprotective capacity of the homeopathic product Homeopatila 100^® was assessed. This was done by the analyses of carbonyl protein, GSH and antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] in livers of Nile tilapia as well as the serum concentrations of biomarkers of hepatic damage (aspartato transaminase (AST), alanina transaminase (ALT) and FAL). In order to assess the quality of the fish’ muscle tissue, the values of pH, color, texture and water retention capacity was measured. No statistical difference was observed regarding the physical and chemical parameters of water nor the analyses of the oxidative state and related parameters between treatments. Water retention capacity and texture were significantly higher (p<0.05) for the control treatment, while luminosity was higher for treatment with Homeopatila 100^® (p<0.05). Nile tilapia cultivated in high density that received the homeopathic product Homeopatila 100^® incorporated into their feed presented better-quality muscle tissues when compared with the group control. Homeopatila 100^® did not indicate modifying effect on the oxidative state of Nile tilapia tissue cultivated in high density.

Key words: Tilapia cultivation, oxidative state, enzymes, homeopathy, stress, muscle tissue.