Crude Protein: Table 4
Crude Protein: Table 4
Crude Protein: Table 4
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): The FCR by the fish ranged from 168-2.09 fed on
different diets (Table 4). There was a significant difference in FCR between the
control (ARASCO feed) and the extruded feed treatments (LSD0.05 = 0.827).
Highest FCR was obtained with extruded feed without premix as compared to
the extruded feed with premix and the commercial feed (ARASCO). This showed
that extruded feed can successfully be used in aquaculture as an alternate
source of protein in fish diet. It will further minimize the commercial feed import
issue for the fish growers.
Specific Growth Rate (SGR): The SGR of Nile tilapia ranged from 0.91-1.10 fed on
different diets (Table 4). There was no significant difference in SGR of Nile tilapia
among various feeds (LSD0.05 = 0.365). But there was a decreasing trend in SGR
with extruded feed with and without premix than the commercial feed (ARASCO).
This suggests that fish can easily be reared on extruded feed for optimal
production. The results agree with those of Rodriguez et al. (1996) who
concluded that animal by-product meal can be used as a sole protein source in
commercial feed for Nile tilapia fry without affecting growth and food utilization.
Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER): The PER of Nile tilapia ranged from 1.47-1.75 fed
on different feeds (Table 4). There was a significant difference in FER among
different fish diets (LSD0.05 = 0.124). The PER decreased significantly with
extruded feed without premix as compared to the control treatment (ARASCO
Feed) and the extruded feed with premix. This could be due to more
consumption of ARASCO feed by fish than the extruded feed for higher PER.
Similarly, Samocha et al. (2004) stated that the survival, final weight and FE were
not significantly different when co-extruded soybean poultry by-product with
egg supplement was substituted for fish feed meal in a practical diet formulated
to contain 32% crude protein and 8% lipid.