Comparing the Suitable Different Protein Level and Economically Viable Feed for Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Reared in Glass Tank at Bangladesh

Aims: Nile tilapia is one of the most consumable and economical fish species in Bangladesh, traditionally co-cultured by sharing with prawn, shrimp and Indian major carp. In tilapia monoculture, suitable protein level in the diet is crucial for better growth of the fish as well as being economically viable. Addressing this aspect, here in this experiment we tried to adopt suitable and economically sustainable feed for better tilapia growth and production.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out for 75 days in the wet laboratory of FMRT discipline of Khulna University.

Methodology: Three available commercial feed with protein percentages of 32.5% (T1), 35% (T2) and 28% (T3) were fed to the juvenile tilapia (mean weight 0.31g) under the laboratory condition. Fish were nursed in rectangular glass aquaria tank (volume 25L) with each three replications for 75 days at the stocking density of 25fry/tank to determine the effect of these feed on growth of tilapia fry.

Results: After 75 days culture period the final weight of tilapia under treatment T1 (4.68±0.28) were significantly (p<0.05) higher than treatment T2 (4.01±0.19) and T3 (3.26±0.39). Similarly, the highest SGR was found in T1 followed by T2 and T3, however no significant difference observed among the treatments. FCR was significantly different among the treatment, where the lowest FCR was found in T1 and higher at T3. In contrary, PER was opposite to FCR values, higher in T1 and lower in T3. Again, significant different were observed in protein, lipid and ash content of tilapia among the three treatments. Water quality parameters were found at suitable farming ranges throughout the experimental period.

Conclusion: The finding of this experiment suggested that 32.5% protein enriched feed can be suitable for the better growth of tilapia.