Comparative Study of the Effects of Imported Industrial Feed and Local Feed on the Growth of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fry

Abstract

A major challenge in tilapia farming is optimizing feed efficiency, as feed costs constitute a significant portion of production expenses. Fish farmers often choose between imported industrial feeds (formulated with standardized nutrient compositions) and locally produced feeds, which may vary in quality and nutritional content but offer a more affordable alternative. This study investigates the comparative effects of imported industrial feed (R0) and locally sourced feed (R1) on the growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry. Ninety Nile tilapia fry, with an initial average weight of 0.30 g, were divided into two groups and fed either imported industrial feed or locally sourced feed for 60 days to assess the effects of these two types of feed. The tilapia fry were distributed across six tanks, with fifteen fish per 40 L tank. The fish were fed twice daily, in the morning at 8:00 am and in the afternoon at 5:00 pm. Growth parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and survival rate were monitored throughout the experiment. The results indicate that while both feed types supported the growth of Nile tilapia fry, significant differences in growth rates were observed between the two groups. No significant difference was found in the feed conversion ratio, with the R0 control diet showing a FCR of 1.33, while the R1 test diet had a FCR of 1.68. A similar trend was noted for the specific growth rate (SGR). Regarding the survival rate (SR), the control diet showed no mortality (SR = 100%), while the test diet recorded a low mortality rate (SR = 93.33%). This study provides valuable insights into the potential of using locally sourced feeds as a cost-effective alternative to industrial feeds without compromising fish growth. The findings contribute to the development of more sustainable and economically viable feeding strategies for Nile tilapia farming, particularly in resource-limited regions.