Supplemental feeding of Tilapia mossambica

Abstract

T. mossambica were grown to marketable size in floating cages in Laguna de Bay at a stocking density of 75/m². Those given supplemental feed 1 (rice bran:ipil-ipil:fish meal, 60:20:20) showed significantly faster growth than those fed with supplemental feed 2 (chopped snails:rice bran, 30:70). Controls, without supplemental feeding, showed slower growth rates as compared to the supplement-fed lots. A more efficient feed conversion ratio was obtained for feed 1 (4:1) as compared to feed 2 (6:1).

Laboratory experiments in aquaria showed the feasibility of improving the growth of tilapia with ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal alone. Varying levels of ipil-ipil, given at 3, 6, and 9% of the body weight, increased the body weight to 0.75 g, 1.68 g, and 2.94 g, respectively. Moreover, the crude protein content of tilapia increased proportionately with increasing levels of ipil-ipil leaf meal.

The significance of the above results in the light of establishing a tilapia lake farming industry and its effect on the improved nutrition of the people were discussed.