Effect of substituting fishmeal with sesame, <i>Sesamum indicum</i> (L.) cake on growth and food utilization of the Nile tilapia, <i>Oreochromis niloticus </i>

Abstract

The effect of substituting fish meal with sesame cake in fish diets on the growth, food utilization and body composition of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (mean weight = 1.06 0.07g) were investigated. The results show that the best growth and food utilization were obtained with 10% sesame/40% fish meal diet (36.22% crude protein and 10.18% fibre). Whole body percentages of moisture, crude protein and fat were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Body ash contents, however, were highest for fish fed higher levels of sesame cake. The results of this study suggest that 20% sesame cake/30% fish meal can be incorporated in the diet of tilapia without adversely affecting growth or any other aspect of performance. In general high fibre and phytic acid present in sesame cake impaired feed utilization in test diets with higher inclusion levels.


Key words: Growth, feed indices, sesame cake, fishmeal, tilapia.


Journal of Aquatic Sciences Vol.17(1) 2002: 45-49