Growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in earthen ponds affected by varying feeding and fertilization inputs [electronic resource].

Includes references.

This study has been carried out to investigate the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in monoculture earthen ponds as well as pond productivity affected by different feeding inputs. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis ni/oticus) fingerlings averaging 2.21± 0.28 to 2.51± 0.49 g in weight were assigned randomly to three tested different feeding inputs. Three treatments were applied in the earthen ponds. These were (T₁) fertilization plus artificial diet; (T₂) blue green algae plus fertilization and artificial diet; (T₃) artificial diet only. Six earthen ponds each measuring 20x50 m² were used in the experiment. Each treatment was performed in duplicate. All the ponds were stocked with 1000 fish / pond. The study extended 90 days. Results obtained can be summarized in the following; 1- The highest final body weight, specific growth rate (SGR), final length, protein retention efficiency and energy retention efficiency were recorded for fish group fed blue green algae plus fertilization and artificial diet (T ₁); followed by (T₁) and (T₃) treatments respectively. 2- The highest net production was recorded on group of fish on (T₂) blue green algae plus fertilization and artificial diet; followed by (T₁) and (T₃) treatments, respectively. In conclusion feeding, blue green algae at a rate of 5% of fish body weight plus artificial diet (20% protein) at rate 2% daily can be applied with the fertilization system for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in earthen ponds in order to achieve best growth predominance results.

Summary in Arabic.

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