Linalol como promotor de crescimento em jundiás Rhamdia quelen

Abstract

Essential oils are natural products with bioactive properties that, when added to the fish diet, can promote their growth and health, becoming a viable alternative to fish farming, increasing the productivity and performance of the animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of linalol, the major compound present in the essential oil of Lippia alba, as an additive when added to catfish feed. Juveniles were randomly assigned to 5 treatments (four replications) and received different levels of the compound linalool added to the diet (0-control, 0.25; 0.5; 1.0 and 2.0 ml of EO per kg of diet) for 60 days. The physical-chemical variables of the water remained within acceptable values for the cultivation of the species. Three biometrics were carried out (0, 30 and 60 days of feeding), with the fish measured, weighed and then placed in the appropriate boxes. Differences were observed for final weight, relative weight gain and specific growth rate, in fish fed a diet containing 1.0 mL/kg of linalol, with a decrease in plasma cortisol levels being observed. Thus, we can conclude that the addition of 1.0 mL/kg of the isolated compound linalool in the diet promotes growth for jundiá juveniles, and its use is recommended as a food additive.