CARACTERIZAÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA DO INTESTINO DE ALEVINOS DE TILÁPIA-DO-NILO EM SISTEMA DE BIOFLOCOS

Abstract

Biofloc technology (BFT) is an alternative to meet the production demand of aquaculture. This system has been used in the cultivation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with beneficial results in production and water quality. The objective of this study was to identify the difference in the intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia when kept in BFT and partial water exchange (TPA). Six aquariums with a useful volume of 26 L were used, three aquariums for the BFT production system and three aquariums for the system with partial water exchange. Each aquarium consisted of an experimental unit, with n = 13 fish. Before the beginning of the experiment, 20 post-larvae of fish were sampled to measure the average weight (0.18 ± 0.08 g) and standard length (1.65 ± 0.21 cm). During the experimental period (60 days), every 10 days, biometrics and intestinal collection were performed (performed from 20 to 60 days) and, subsequently, the intestinal histological techniques were performed; the diameter, width and height of the villi, thickness of the mucosal and muscular layers were evaluated; area for measurement of enterocytes. The intestinal length was greater (P