This study explores the use of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum as a natural feed ingredient for Nile tilapia fingerlings. Over a 42-day trial, researchers found that adding seaweed meal did not negatively impact growth, but improved linearly both feed conversion efficiency and carcass yield as inclusion levels increased, with the best results observed at the maximum level of 20 g/kg.
These findings suggest that A. nodosum can be used as a functional feed additive—helping fish make better use of their feed while supporting production outcomes. The benefits are likely linked to the seaweed’s natural bioactive compounds, including minerals, antioxidants, and immune-supporting polysaccharides, although these parameters were not evaluated by the authors of the article.