Utilization of fish waste as fish meal substitute in formulated fish diet on the growth performance of Nile tilapia fish fry (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

Fish meal is generally expended as the foremost protein supply in the fish diet. The rising cost of this component inflicted the aquaculture industry to seek a substitute in lessening the pellet cost. Thus, fish waste was tested in this study to investigate its viability. An experiment was performed to study the effects of fish waste and carcass on the growth performance of Nile tilapia fry. Solid fish waste of three different common species available in Mukah’s wet market was formulated into an artificial diet. The diet was formulated into three treatments consist of three protein levels (40%, 45% and 50%) with 4000 kcal/kg energy. A controlled group was fed with a commercial pellet consisting of 45% protein level. Fish were fed at 4% of body weight twice daily for 45 days. Fry reared in a controlled group was discovered highest weight gain, specific growth rate and length gain. There was no significant difference in all treatments for all parameters measured. The lowest weight gain and specific growth rate were recorded in fish fed 45% protein level (T2) group. Fish in T3 (50%) achieved the highest survival rate while T1 (40%) group recorded the lowest. The best and lowest Feed Conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded in the control group. In conclusion, the performance of formulated feed using fish waste is similar to commercial pellet as no significant difference can be observed in all parameters measured.