Evaluation of the effects of dietary cinnamaldehyde on growth and nutrient use in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Cinnamaldehyde is an active organic compound and an aromatic aldehyde substance found in cinnamon oil. It is a new feed supplement for animals that can improve growth, nutrient digestion and absorption, lipid use, and immunity. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary trans-cinnamaldehyde 98 % (CIN) on nutrient utilization, antioxidant capacity, and growth performance in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Juveniles used was weighing at about 19.77 ± 0.10 g received dietary CIN at different doses (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 g/kg feed). The fish were maintained in a glass aquarium of 95 × 45 × 35 cm3 in size at a stocking density of 20 fish per aquarium and fed three times a day to clear satiation. Dietary carbohydrate digestion and absorption were significantly improved in fish fed 0.75 g/kg CIN, as indicated by increased amylase activity and glucose tolerance test. The latter was subsequently confirmed by increases in relative ir, glut4, hx and gs expression that indicated the increase in glucose absorption led to an increase in glucose utilization as an energy source and the synthesis of glycogen as an energy reserve. Interestingly, dietary CIN supplementation also resulted in the downregulation of fas, which facilitates the conversion of glucose to fatty acids, and the upregulation of cpt1a and hsl, indicating increased fatty acid oxidation for energy. CIN at a range of 0.5–0.75 g/kg improved the antioxidant status in the liver, as illustrated by elevated glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities (both P < 0.05). Final weight, feed consumption, the specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein retention increased were significantly in all CIN groups, with the highest values reached in the 0.5 g/kg CIN (all P < 0.05). Based on a polynomial orthogonal analysis of the fish-specific growth rate, the optimum dosage of CIN inclusion is 0.42 g/kg. •Cinnamaldehyde increases glucose absorption and lipid use for energy in Oreochromis niloticus.•The optimum dosage of supplemental cinnamaldehyde is 0.42 g/kg feed.•Cinnamaldehyde improves blood plasma biochemistry, antioxidant status, growth, and flesh quality.