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Research Paper | Ichthyology Science | Kenya | Volume 3 Issue 9, September 2014 | Popularity: 6.3 / 10

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Growth Response, Survival and Profitability of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed at Different Feeding Frequencies in Fertilized Earthen Ponds

Mary A. Opiyo, Jonathan Mbonge Munguti, Erick Ochieng Ogello, Harrison Charo-Karisa

Abstract: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were reared in earthen ponds at three different feeding frequencies; twice daily, twice after 1 day, and twice after 2 days for a period of 7 months. Three hundred and seventy five fish were stocked into each of the nine, 150 m2 ponds with three replicates for each treatment. The fish were fed with a commercial diet (26 % crude protein). Significantly (P < 0.05) best percentage weight gain (3479.59 116.63 %) and specific growth rate (SGR) (1.65 0.02 %) was observed in groups of fish fed daily compared to fish fed after 1 day and after 2 days which recorded SGR of 1.62 and 1.59 % respectively. The lowest feed conversion ratio (1.04 0.01) was observed in fish fed twice after 2 days. The highest survival (83.24 %) was recorded in fish fed daily and there were no significant differences among the other feeding groups (P > 0.05). Partial enterprise budget analysis indicated that feeding O. niloticus twice after 2 days in fertilized ponds is significantly profitable (P < 0.05) than feeding twice daily and after 1 day. Thus it is possible to rear O. niloticus in fertilized earthen ponds when fish are fed twice after 2 days.

Keywords: Growth, O niloticus, feeding frequency

Edition: Volume 3 Issue 9, September 2014

Pages: 893 - 898

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