Suplementação hídrica de vitaminas do complexo B, vitamina C, potássio e zinco: impactos no desempenho e na qualidade da água de alevinos de Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Brazilian agribusiness plays a fundamental role in the country’s economy, including aquaculture, which has shown significant growth, especially in the production of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). This species stands out due to its high adaptability and rapid production cycle, with the state of Paraná accounting for approximately 36% of national production. Among the main factors influencing productivity are water quality management and the improvement of zootechnical indices. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of a formulated product based on vitamins and minerals, applied directly to the culture water, on the productive performance of fingerlings, with the goal of improving weight gain and growth without compromising water quality. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three treatments (control, product application once a week, and twice a week), three replicates, and 57 experimental units per treatment. Nine aquaria with a capacity of 113 L were used, each containing 19 fish. Throughout the experimental period, water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and hardness) were monitored and remained within appropriate ranges, with no differences observed among treatments. Regarding zootechnical performance, a substantial increase in biomass was observed in all treatments. The initial mean weight ranged from 7.80 to 7.89 g, while final values were 33.57 g, 36.28 g, and 35.77 g for the control, weekly application, and twice-weekly application treatments, respectively. The mean weight gain was 26.29 ± 12.27 g, 28.95 ± 15.18 g, and 28.48 ± 12.37 g, with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), although supplemented treatments showed a trend toward higher gain. Length growth was also continuous, with initial values ranging from 7.32 to 7.53 cm and final values from 11.69 to 12.24 cm, resulting in mean increases of 4.60 ± 1.65 cm, 4.89 ± 1.91 cm, and 4.74 ± 1.57 cm, respectively, also without significant differences. Despite the absence of statistically significant effects, the results indicate a trend toward improvement in zootechnical indices with supplementation. However, longer experimental periods and possible adjustments to the experimental design are necessary to confirm its effects on productive performance.