Growth and fry
production of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), on different
feeding schedules
C.B. Santiago, M.A. Laron-2002
Aquaculture
Research, 33(2):
129-136
Abstract:
The effect of scheduled use of
high-protein and low-protein diets on body weight and fry production of Nile
tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), was determined. A preliminary
feeding trial was first conducted on fingerlings. These were fed a
high-protein diet (H, 25% protein) or a low-protein diet (L, 18% protein)
daily, or diet H for 1-3 days followed by diet L for 1-4 days. Final body
weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in fish fed diet H daily and in
fish fed diet H for 2-3 days followed by diet L for 1 day (2H-1L and 3H-1L).
Fingerlings on 1H-1L and 3H-2L had slightly lower growth. Based on the
response of the fingerlings, five feeding schedules were tested with the
broodstock. A high-protein diet (HP, 40%) and a low-protein diet (LP, 25%;
same as H for fingerlings) were used. Feeding schedules significantly
influenced body weight of female but not the male fish. Fry production was
not significantly affected by the feeding schedule for broodstock. When
growth, fry production and saving in feed cost were all considered, the
broodstock on 1HP-1LP and 3HP-2LP feeding schedules both gave the highest
overall performance. These findings give fish farmers an option in the
management of feeding of tilapia broodstock.
(SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department,
Binangonan Freshwater Station, Binangonan, Philippines, E-mail: csantiago@aqd.seafdec.org.ph)