Review and meta-analysis of biofloc technology in tilapia culture

Biofloc technology (BFT) is gaining traction globally as a sustainable aquaculture production system that not only lowers feed costs but improves water quality and boosts fish immunity. However, not all aquaculture species are amenable to culture in the BFT production systems. Tilapias are some of the few species that can be cultured in a BFT system, yet no meta-analysis reviews have been carried out to determine the impact of the research outputs, constraints, and prospects of tilapia culture in a BFT system. This review highlights the nutritional composition of biofloc, growth performance, and economic viability of tilapias in a BFT system. Meta-analysis was used to determine the overall treatment effect of BFT on specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrite and total ammonia nitrogen (TAN). A subgroup metanalysis was also done on carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. Meta-analysis showed that SGR, FCR, and survival rate of tilapias were all positively affected in the BFT system. This is attributed to tilapias’ ability to utilize bioflocs. However, meta-analysis did not show improved water quality since DO levels decreased and nitrite and TAN levels went up. This is attributed to the C:N ratio. The C:N ratio is a critical factor in the BFT system. Both tilapia growth performance and water quality were affected by the C:N ratio. This review also identified current research gaps.