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Research Paper | Ichthyology Science | Kenya | Volume 3 Issue 8, August 2014

Growth, Survival and Nutrient Utilization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using Cyanophyceae (Arthrospira fusiformis) as Replacement of Fishmeal Based Diets

Elijah Oyoo-Okoth ^[10] | Charles C Ngugi | James Mugo-Bundi

Abstract: Suitability of using cynaophyceae (Arthrospira fusiformis) to replace fishmeal (Caridina nilotica) as a main protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated at a ratios of: 25 %, 50 %, 75 % and 100 %. The five dietary treatments were tested in triplicate in static earthen ponds for 160 days. Growth, Food conversion ratio (FCR), and nutrient utilization in fish fed at 25 % and 50 % A. fusiformis were better than those fed 75 % and 100 % A. fusiformis but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those fed with C. nilotica diets alone. Growth reduction, increased FCR and reduced nutrient utilization occurred with increasing A. fusiformis in the diet beyond 50 % inclusion levels. Survival was however better at higher levels of A. fusiformis inclusion. Thus it is possible to replace up to 50 % of C. nilotica with A. fusiformis in the diets of O. niloticus.

Keywords: Oreochromis niloticus, Arthrospira fusiformis, Caridina nilotica, growth, FCR, nutrient utilization

Edition: Volume 3 Issue 8, August 2014,

Pages: 1553 - 1556