Dietary inclusion of papaya seed powder significantly modulates reproductive function and growth dynamics in Nile tilapia cultured under controlled conditions

Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) is a key species in aquaculture but faces challenges related to premature sexual maturity and prolific breeding. This study investigated the effects of dietary papaya seed powder (PSP) on growth performance, reproductive parameters, and survival of Nile tilapia under controlled laboratory conditions. Juvenile fish were fed diets containing 0 (control), 2, 4, and 6 g PSP/kg feed. Results demonstrated that moderate PSP inclusion (4 g/kg, T2) significantly enhanced growth, feed conversion efficiency, and survival rate (90%), whereas higher inclusion levels (6 g/kg) reduced growth. Gonad weight and gonadosomatic index (GSI) were lowest in T2, indicating potential antifertility effects, particularly in males. Water quality remained stable across all treatments, suggesting that the observed effects were primarily due to dietary PSP. These findings indicate that PSP can serve as a natural, cost-effective feed additive that promotes growth at optimal levels while suppressing reproduction at higher doses, offering a sustainable strategy for tilapia aquaculture.