Utilizing Fruit Waste in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): A Review of Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, and Health Effects

The growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective aquafeeds has encouraged the valorization of fruit-processing by-products as alternative feed ingredients and functional additives. This review evaluates the nutritional characteristics and effects of banana peel, orange peel, mango peel, pineapple waste, and grape seed on growth performance, feed utilization, and health in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Relevant literature was identified through Google Scholar and PubMed and synthesized according to its relevance and reported findings. These by-products provide carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants. The reviewed studies indicate that appropriately formulated fruit-waste supplements can improve weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, digestive function, antioxidant activity, and innate immune responses, although outcomes vary with the material, processing method, and inclusion level. Reported beneficial treatments include banana peel powder, orange peel-derived pectin, mango peel powder, pineapple waste or its extract, and grape seed proanthocyanidins. However, excessive inclusion may reduce nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency because of high fiber content and antinutritional compounds. Fermentation and other processing approaches may improve ingredient suitability. Overall, fruit waste shows promise as a feed resource for Nile tilapia and may contribute to circular-economy approaches in aquaculture. Further research is needed to standardize processing and inclusion rates, clarify physiological mechanisms, assess safety and economic feasibility, and evaluate environmental benefits under practical farming conditions.