Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Tilapia Culture
Maurício Gustavo Coelho Emerenciano, K. Fitzsimmons, Artur Rombenso, Anselmo Miranda‐Baeza, Gabriel Bernardes Martins, Rafael Lazzari, Yenitze E. Fimbres‐Acedo, Sara M. Pinho
Abstract
Animal-origin food production requires accelerated growth worldwide in response to an increase in human demand. In this sense, the aquaculture sector is one of the major players in terms of volume of animal protein production and tilapia culture plays a crucial role. The majority of production systems utilized today are earthen ponds, cages and, more recently, biofloc technology (BFT) which is gaining attention due to its production capacity and environmental benefits. In addition to a reduction in water use, BFT also contributes to nutrition, water quality maintenance and pathogen competition. In several countries around the world, BFT has been used as a practical tool in nursery phases, broodstock maintenance and integration with plant production (aquaponics). The present chapter will discuss: (i) history and basic aspects of BFT, (ii) elucidation of some recent management approaches provided by BFT in tilapia culture, (iii) an updated review on nutrition and feeding research, (iv) the possibility to integrate biofloc and plant production, and finally (v) constraints and future perspectives of BFT in tilapia aquaculture.