Effect of various diets on growth and body composition of tilapia

Abstract

The effects of varying dietary protein level on several nutritional parameters of Tilapia nilotica were studied. Four approximately isonitrogeneous diets were formulated with protein levels ranging from 24 % to 33%. The specific growth rate increased as protein concentration increased in the diet while diet 2 (25% protein) and 3 (29% protein) were comparable in effect, a significant rise was noted with diet 4(33% protein). A consistent increase in FCR was evident in relation to increasing dietary protein. A significant high FCR resulted with diet 4. Protein efficiency ratio varied inconsistently, highest value was noted with diet 2. Generally there appeared to be an inverse relationship between the FCR and PER with increasing FCR and PER decreasing in relation to protein level increments. Dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, total ash and carbohydrate (N.F.E) of fish varied with diets. Maximum values of both dry matter and protein occured with diet 4. Crude fat in the experimental groups increased above the control (fish analysed at start of experiments). Total ash droped below control level in all experimental groups. Carbohydrate level in the control and experimental fish were nominal and although it increased in experimental fish, an inconsistent trend was evident in relation to dietary protein.