Performance of imported commercial feeds code-named F1, F2, and F3 on juvenile oreochromis nilloticus raises in cages

Abstract

Today, the use of more highly digestible nutrient-density extruded feeds (46 to 50% protein, 20 to 24% fat) allows commercial farmers to achieve a Feed Conversion Ratio of faster grown to market size. Modern production of fish in intensive aquaculture relies on the use of artificial feeds, which constitute the single largest cost (60 - 70%) of the production process (Gabriel et al, 2007; Aderolu et al, 2010; Himadri, 2012) .Therefore prevailing challenges related to fish feeds and feeding management are the main concern for fish farmers since to the greatest extent will determine the profitability of the fish farming business (Karatarakis, 2005). While extensive research has been undertaken on fish nutritional requirements and diet formulations and that several feed brands are imported and continually placed on the market, fish farmers in Uganda still face a big challenges in making their choices for best quality and cost-effective feeds coupled with lack of appropriate practice in feeding management plans. Hence the present determined the performance of imported commercial feeds of selected brands on juvenile Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) cultured in cages. Three samples of imported commercial fish feeds labeled F1, F2 and F3 were used. The results of this research study demonstrate that diet F1 was a suitable feed for the fish for the purpose of enhancing faster growth performance. Furthermore diet F1 would be preferred to F2 and F3 due to its low FCR and hence low cost. This research revealed that diet F3 was unsuitable for feeding fish.