Type: Article

Effect of integrated multi-trophic polyculture systems of marine fish and bivalves on European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) growth performance, feed utilization, and whole-body-proximate composition

Authors

Corresponding Author

Sayed Zahran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64636/ar.12

Abstract

Optimizing sustainable aquaculture in the face of rising global demand requires the adoption of ecologically sound and resource-efficient production systems. In this context, the present study assessed the performance of European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) cultured in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems based on saline groundwater (SGW), incorporating grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) and clams (Ruditapes decussatus) as complementary species. During a 90-day period, four culture treatments were compared: monoculture (T1), seabass–mullet co-culture (T2), seabass–clam co-culture (T3) and a fully integrated IMTA system (T4). The IMTA configuration (T4) demonstrated significantly better outcomes (p < 0.05) in growth performance (final weight: 106.0 ± 0.2 g; specific growth rate: 2.62 ± 0.03%/day), survival (91.1 ± 2.2%), and feed utilization (feed conversion ratio: 1.60 ± 0.14; protein efficiency ratio: 1.41 ± 0.14) compared to other systems. Nutritional analysis of the fish whole body revealed enhanced composition quality in the fully IMTA group, with increased crude protein (56.6 ± 0.2%) and energy content (555.4 ± 0.1 kcal/100 g). Thereby aligning with market preferences for functional and health-promoting seafood. Overall, the study underscores the potential of SGW-based IMTA systems to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability, offering a scalable model well-suited for application in arid and water-limited environments.

Keywords:

Polyculture, IMTA, Saline groundwater aquaculture, European sea bass, Nutrient cycling,, Sustainable aquaculture

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Published

13-08-2025

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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All data are available with corresponding authors upon request.  

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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): Animal Reports | Open access

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Copyright (c) 2025 Sayed Zahran (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Essa, Mohamed Abd El-Razek, Tarek Mohamed Ahmed Srour, Sayed Zahran, Ahmed Mohamed Ashry, and Mahmoud Mohamed Habiba. 2025. “Effect of Integrated Multi-Trophic Polyculture Systems of Marine Fish and Bivalves on European Seabass (Dicentrarchus Labrax) Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, and Whole-Body-Proximate Composition”. Animal Reports 1 (2): 75-84. https://doi.org/10.64636/ar.12.

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