Researchers from Egypt and the Philippines Discover Breakthrough Method for Raising Tilapia in Cold Climates Using Chewing Gum Ingredients

Who would have thought chewing gum could help fish survive in the cold? Sounds odd, right? Well, a team of researchers from Egypt and the Philippines has uncovered a surprising twist—tilapia can be raised in colder climates by feeding them two ingredients found in everyday chewing gum.

Dr. Janice Alano Ragaza from Ateneo de Manila University and her team have discovered that Arabic gum and lecithin, usually used in gum, can improve the health of Nile tilapia, a species known for its rapid growth. Normally, these fish need warm waters, between 26°C and 30°C, to thrive. Curious about how this quirky combo works? Let's dive into the details of this fascinating discovery that could change cold-climate fish farming forever!

Researchers showed that the levels of nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants in Nile tilapia fingerlings fed a diet supplemented with 10 grams of lecithin and 4 grams of Arabic gum per kilogram of feed were much higher. As a result, the fish were better equipped to handle the difficulties of winter, and genes linked to cold survival were activated.

The sap of Sengalia senegal or Acacia senegal trees is used to make Arabic gum, while lecithin is an emulsifier that is taken from soybeans, eggs, and other sources. Chewing gum is one of the many culinary products that frequently use both.