Growth and feed utilization of Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) fingerlings fed diets containing raw, roasted and fermented Oybean

Abstract

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (mean weight 2.36±0.05g) were fed on isonitrogenous diets (35.08% crude protein) containing roasted, raw and fermented soybean meal and a control diet containing fishmeal for 10 weeks. Growth performance and feed utilization were investigated. Results revealed that fish grew best on the control diet (fishmeal) having weight gain of 54.89%. Diet C (fermented soybean diet) recorded the lowest weight gain (13.14%). Roasting was observed to increase the protein and the essential amino acid contents of feed while fermentation reduced these components. Survival was highest in diets C (fermented soybean) and fishmeal (65%) and lowest (20%) in Diet B (raw soybean). The growth performance and feed utilization of the fingerlings fed diets containing soybean processed in three different ways showed significant differences (P<0.05). The essential ainino acid levels were found to be adequate. Supplementing fishmeal with soybean meal reduces cost of feed production, since soybean is cheaper than fishmeal and if processed, provides all the essential amino acids needed by fish.

Key Words: Tilapia, feed utilization, processed, soybean.