Effect of a fish–rice co-culture system on the growth performance and muscle quality of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract The growth performance and muscle quality of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were compared between a fish-rice co-culture system (SD3) and a monoculture system (CG3). Tilapia with initial mean weight of 10 g and mean length of 5 cm raised in improved water quality produced by the co-culture system (SD3) showed better growth parameters, as well as better proximate composition with higher protein and lower lipid content. The free amino acid composition of tilapia muscle in SD3 were better than that of CG3. The major nucleotide (adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inosine monophosphate (IMP)) contents of SD3 were significantly higher, while the major organic acid contents (acetic acid and malic acid) were lower. In SD3 the muscle fiber area was higher but the muscle fiber density was lower than in CG3. Finally, the SD3 fish had enhanced umami, sweetness, and overall flavor, and less of an earthy-musty taste compared to CG3. Overall, the co-culture of tilapia and rice improved the growth performance and muscle quality of tilapia via improved water quality and rich microbes in rice field. This was conducive for providing fish with high quality.