Effect of Restricted and Re-Feeding Regime on Feeding Cost, Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Survival Rate of Mixed Sex Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus Cultured in Tanks

Abstract

Feed is the most expensive item in captive fish production frequently amounting to more than 50% of the total variable costs depending on the intensity of culture. Feeding costs can be significantly reduced by using proper feeding regimes. Mixed sex Oreochromis niloticus with initial mean weights (± standard error) of 3.97 ± 0.35 g were randomly fed twice daily (G1), starved for one day (G2) and two days (G3) in three replicates so as to evaluate feeding cost, growth performance, feed utilization and survival rate for eight weeks in tanks. The results showed that, feed restriction had a significant effect in reducing feed cost (F = 180.291, p = 0.001). Lowest feed cost was obtained in O. niloticus starved for two days compared to those starved for one day (p = 0.005) and fed twice daily (p = 0.001). Feeding cost was reduced by 10 and 20% in O. niloticus restricted to feed for one and two days respectively compared to those fed twice daily. During re-feeding growth performance and feed utilization were significantly higher in O. niloticus starved for two days than those starved for one day and fed twice daily (p < 0.05). The current study revealed that, feeding cost can be reduced to 10 and 20% by depriving O. niloticus to feed for one and two days respectively without affecting growth performance, feed utilization efficiencies and survival rate.