Authors : A.F. Yakubu, O.O. Ajiboye, N.A. Nwogu, E.D. Olaji and T.E. Adams
Abstract: The growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in relation to stocking density was evaluated in a semi flow through culture system. Fingerlings weighing 6-8 g were held in densities of 158, 237 and 316 m-3 in 12 circular fibre glass tanks each containing 1.9 m-3 of water. The experimental animals were fed 2 types of feed: MULTI feed (foreign) and NIOMR feed (local) of 32 and 44% Crude Protein (CP), respectively for over 24 weeks. The overall growth rates showed significantly (p<0.05) highest growth, feed conversion and survival rate in treatment 2 (MULTI feed at 158 fish m-3) while significantly lowest growth rate and feed conversion was recorded in treatment 5 (NIOMR feed at 158 fish m-3). In terms of gross profit, treatments 2, 4 and 5 seemed more profitable with values of 801.50, 59.78 and 153.43 Naira, respectively. The profit index, also showed that treatments 3 and 5 had better profit index of 26.01 and 28.09, respectively than other treatments. In addition, treatments 1 recorded the best incidence of cost with a value of 5.69 followed by treatment 3 with value of 5.79. Treatments 2, 4 and 5 recorded values of 1.22, 1.01 and 1.02, respectively indicating that those treatments were profitable unlike the other treatments. The results of the study indicate that fish fed with MULTI feed and stocked at 158 fish m-3 in treatment 2 had the best FCR of 6.52. In addition, all water quality parameters are within the acceptable and suitable range for proper growth of O. niloticus. Based on the growth performance (final mean weight, survival rate, feed conversion ratio) size of fish at harvest and benefit cost ratio, treatment 2 (stocking density of 158 fish m-3) fed multi feed is recommended.
A.F. Yakubu, O.O. Ajiboye, N.A. Nwogu, E.D. Olaji and T.E. Adams, 2013. Growth and Economic Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Two Feed Type at Different Stocking Densities in Semi Flow Through Culture System. Journal of Fisheries International, 8: 25-30.