Submit manuscript...
Journal of
eISSN: 2378-3184

Aquaculture & Marine Biology

Research Article Volume 6 Issue 5

Growth and Production of Monosex Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Under Different Feeding Frequencies in Pond Conditons

Abu Zafar,2 Mahfujul Karim,1 Mohsin Ali1

1Department of Aquaculture Bangladesh Agricultural University Bangladesh
2Department of Aquaculture Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science Technology University Bangladesh

Correspondence: Abu Zafar Assistant Professor Department of Aquaculture Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science Technology University Bangladesh

Received: October 29, 2017 | Published: November 30, 2017

Citation: Karim M, Zafar A, Ali M (2017) Growth and Production of Monosex Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) Under Different Feeding Frequencies in Pond Conditons. J Aquac Mar Biol 6(5): 00167 DOI: 10.15406/jamb.2017.06.00167

Download PDF

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding frequency on growth and production of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Reliance Aqua Farm, Rahmatpur, Mymensingh for a period of four months from 7th July to 4th November, 2012. Ponds were equal in size which was categorized in three treatments viz. T1, T2 and T3 with each two replicates. A stocking density of 200 fish per decimal with three feeding frequency four times in a day (T1), three times in a day (T2) and two times in a day (T3) were used was used for the experiment. The fry were initially fed at 30% of their body weight and the rate was reduced to 5% gradually at the final week.

The proximate composition of the experimental diet (% dry matter basis) was moisture 12.14%, protein 27.94%, lipid 7.95%, ash 15.38% and NFE 36.59%. The water quality parameters were more or less similar in three treatments and remained within the suitable ranges for aquaculture. The mean weight gain 323.68, 294.55 and 244.72 g, percent weight gain 5678.65, 5167.54 and 4293.27, SGR 3.38, 3.30 and 3.15%, respectively were recorded in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The highest weight gain, percent weight gain and SGR were showed in T1 having the feeding frequency four times a day and lowest was found in T3 having feeding frequency two times a day.

The survival rate was 94.75, 93.0 and 90.5% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The best FCR value was obtained in T1 where fry were fed with four times feeding frequency. The significantly (P˂0.01) highest fish production was 62.42 kg/dec/4 months in T1 and production was found to be decreased significantly with the decrease in feeding frequencies. The lowest fish production was 45.33 kg/dec/4 months in T3. The result of the present study demonstrated that four times feeding frequency played better effect on the growth and production performance of monosex male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Keywords: Growth, Production, Survival, Feeding frequency, Monosex tilapia

Introduction

With increase in human population and diminished natural fisheries resources, aquaculture is rapidly gaining importance. But, fish culture on a small-scale basis has often failed due to inadequate knowledge regarding ideal stocking density and feeding regime of fish.

The commercial feasibility of any intensively cultured fish species depends on market demand and cost of production. The largest section of the production cost lies in feed, with protein containing the most expensive component.1-2

However, to improve fish culture at commercial level, it is important to establish an appropriate feeding management strategy that is based on identification of the daily feeding patterns or rhythms.3-4 It is well known that the amount and timing of feeding play an important role in growth and feed utilization efficiency.5-8 In aquaculture, like other form of husbandry, feeding is crucial for its viability and success.9 Feed cost is one of the largest operational costs in aquaculture.10

The practice of feeding in an aquaculture system involves selection of appropriate ration sizes, (the amount of feed supply), determining the feeding frequency (how many times the organism should be fed in a day), and timing of meal and efficient broadcasting of the predetermined ration to the culture system.11 The number of feeding per day and the time of feeding vary with species, size of fish and environmental conditions.12 Sometimes excellent quality feeds do not perform satisfactorily unless correct feeding practices and proper feeding rates are used.13 It is essential to recommend the optimum feeding rate for economic production of fish. In general the feeding regime and growth of fish are very much related. Thus the feeding strategy may provide clue for maximum growth because the feeding frequency contribute to feed efficiency and growth response.14

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is known as commercially important food fishes for aquaculture throughout several regions of the world such as China, South-east Asia, Africa, USA and Latin America/Caribbean.15-16 Tilapia is an excellent fish for growing in the shallow and seasonal ponds in a country like Bangladesh17-18 as it enjoys suitable climate and ecological conditions for culture of this warm water species. Thus, culture of monosex tilapia might prove effective to induce a positive approach towards tilapia culture in Bangladesh.

Based on the above aforementioned context, this experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance of monosex male tilapia at different feeding frequency and find out the effective feeding frequency to increase the production in ponds.

Materials and methods

The experiment was conducted in six ponds situated in the Reliance Aqua Farm, Rahmatpur, Sadar, Mymensingh for a period of four months commencing from 7th July to 4th November, 2012.

The water of the ponds were drained and kept for sundry about a week. All gates and pipes were checked for broken slabs and other parts. Repair screens to prevent predators and pests from entering the pond system. All aquatic weeds were removed manually from the ponds. Complete eradication of all undesirable fish, insects and other aquatic life forms were done by using phostoxin tablet (3g per tablet, Organic Pharmaceuticals Limited) at the rate of six tablets per decimal. After a few hours of phostoxin tablet administration the dead organisms were collected from the ponds by repeated netting and buried into the soil in order to prevent unwanted contamination and pollution. One week after weeds, pests and predator control, lime was administrated at a rate of 1 kg/dec. Seven days after liming; the ponds were fertilized with cow dung, urea and triple super phosphate (TSP) at the rate of 3 kg, 100 g and 75 g/dec, respectively. After a week of fertilization the water was tested for natural food.

Ponds were divided into three treatments Viz. T1, T2, and T3 each having two replications. The size of the each pond was 16 decimal. The Monosex Tilapia fry were stocked @ 200/decimal for each treatment and the fry were initially fed @ 30% of their body weight and was reduced gradually to 5% of their body weight at the final week. Reducing of ration size was performed by 1% in each 15 days interval. The fish were fed four times a day in T1, three times a day in T<sub>1</sub> and two times a day in T3, respectively. Pelleted feed (MEGA Feed) was broadcasted in a fixed corner of each pond. Three major water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were measured and recorded every 15 days interval throughout the experimental period at 9 am by using a commercial kit box (Model: FF-3, USA).Proximate compositions of the experimental feed were analyzed in triplicate according to standard procedures given in Association of official Analytical Chemist19 The parameters are:

Moisture= ( YZ ) S ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGnbGaae4BaiaabMgacaqGZbGaaeiDaiaabwhacaqGYbGa aeyzaiabg2da9maalaaapaqaa8qadaqadaWdaeaapeGaaeywaiabgk HiTiaabQfaaiaawIcacaGLPaaaa8aabaWdbiaabofaaaGaey41aqRa aGymaiaaicdacaaIWaaaaa@48D2@  

Where,

S=Sample weight

Y=Sample + crucible weight

Z= Dry sample+ crucible weight

Crude Protein:

% Nitrogen= Milliequivalent of nitrogen( 0.014 )ml×Stregth of HCL×100 Sample weight gain( g ) MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGLaGaaeiiaiaab6eacaqGPbGaaeiDaiaabkhacaqGVbGa ae4zaiaabwgacaqGUbGaeyypa0ZaaSaaa8aabaWdbiaab2eacaqGPb GaaeiBaiaabYgacaqGPbGaaeyzaiaabghacaqG1bGaaeyAaiaabAha caqGHbGaaeiBaiaabwgacaqGUbGaaeiDaiaabccacaqGVbGaaeOzai aabccacaqGUbGaaeyAaiaabshacaqGYbGaae4BaiaabEgacaqGLbGa aeOBamaabmaapaqaa8qacaaIWaGaaiOlaiaaicdacaaIXaGaaGinaa GaayjkaiaawMcaaiaab2gacaqGSbGaey41aqRaae4uaiaabshacaqG YbGaaeyzaiaabEgacaqG0bGaaeiAaiaabccacaqGVbGaaeOzaiaabc cacaqGibGaae4qaiaabYeacqGHxdaTcaaIXaGaaGimaiaaicdaa8aa baWdbiaabofacaqGHbGaaeyBaiaabchacaqGSbGaaeyzaiaabccaca qG3bGaaeyzaiaabMgacaqGNbGaaeiAaiaabshacaqGGaGaae4zaiaa bggacaqGPbGaaeOBamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzkaa aaaaaa@852E@

Percent crude protein= %Nitrogen × 6.25

Lipid( % )= Weight of lipid Weight of Sample gain ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGmbGaaeyAaiaabchacaqGPbGaaeizamaabmaapaqaa8qa caqGLaaacaGLOaGaayzkaaGaeyypa0ZaaSaaa8aabaWdbiaabEfaca qGLbGaaeyAaiaabEgacaqGObGaaeiDaiaabccacaqGVbGaaeOzaiaa bccacaqGSbGaaeyAaiaabchacaqGPbGaaeizaaWdaeaapeGaae4vai aabwgacaqGPbGaae4zaiaabIgacaqG0bGaaeiiaiaab+gacaqGMbGa aeiiaiaabofacaqGHbGaaeyBaiaabchacaqGSbGaaeyzaiaabccaca qGNbGaaeyyaiaabMgacaqGUbaaaiabgEna0kaaigdacaaIWaGaaGim aaaa@62A9@

Ash content( % )= Weight of ash( g )Weight of empty crucible( g ) Weight of sample( g ) ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGbbGaae4CaiaabIgacaqGGaGaae4yaiaab+gacaqGUbGa aeiDaiaabwgacaqGUbGaaeiDamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGLaaacaGLOa GaayzkaaGaeyypa0ZaaSaaa8aabaWdbiaabEfacaqGLbGaaeyAaiaa bEgacaqGObGaaeiDaiaabccacaqGVbGaaeOzaiaabccacaqGHbGaae 4CaiaabIgadaqadaWdaeaapeGaae4zaaGaayjkaiaawMcaaiabgkHi TiaabEfacaqGLbGaaeyAaiaabEgacaqGObGaaeiDaiaabccacaqGVb GaaeOzaiaabccacaqGLbGaaeyBaiaabchacaqG0bGaaeyEaiaabcca caqGJbGaaeOCaiaabwhacaqGJbGaaeyAaiaabkgacaqGSbGaaeyzam aabmaapaqaa8qacaqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzkaaaapaqaa8qacaqGxbGa aeyzaiaabMgacaqGNbGaaeiAaiaabshacaqGGaGaae4BaiaabAgaca qGGaGaae4CaiaabggacaqGTbGaaeiCaiaabYgacaqGLbWaaeWaa8aa baWdbiaabEgaaiaawIcacaGLPaaaaaGaey41aqRaaGymaiaaicdaca aIWaaaaa@7FF6@

Crude fiber( % )= weight of sample after air dry( g )weight of sample after ashing( g ) Sample weight( g ) ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGdbGaaeOCaiaabwhacaqGKbGaaeyzaiaabccacaqGMbGa aeyAaiaabkgacaqGLbGaaeOCamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGLaaacaGLOa GaayzkaaGaeyypa0ZaaSaaa8aabaWdbiaabEhacaqGLbGaaeyAaiaa bEgacaqGObGaaeiDaiaabccacaqGVbGaaeOzaiaabccacaqGZbGaae yyaiaab2gacaqGWbGaaeiBaiaabwgacaqGGaGaaeyyaiaabAgacaqG 0bGaaeyzaiaabkhacaqGGaGaaeyyaiaabMgacaqGYbGaaeiiaiaabs gacaqGYbGaaeyEamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzkaaGa eyOeI0Iaae4DaiaabwgacaqGPbGaae4zaiaabIgacaqG0bGaaeiiai aab+gacaqGMbGaaeiiaiaabohacaqGHbGaaeyBaiaabchacaqGSbGa aeyzaiaabccacaqGHbGaaeOzaiaabshacaqGLbGaaeOCaiaabccaca qGHbGaae4CaiaabIgacaqGPbGaaeOBaiaabEgadaqadaWdaeaapeGa ae4zaaGaayjkaiaawMcaaaWdaeaapeGaae4uaiaabggacaqGTbGaae iCaiaabYgacaqGLbGaaeiiaiaabEhacaqGLbGaaeyAaiaabEgacaqG ObGaaeiDamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzkaaaaaiabgE na0kaaigdacaaIWaGaaGimaaaa@90D7@

NFE (%) = 100 % (moisture + crude protein + lipid + ash)

Growth and production of fishes were measured by sampling at an interval of 15 days by using a digital electronic balance and were evaluated by the following parameters.

Weight gain= mean final fish weight- mean initial weight.

%weight gain= Mean final fish weight( g )mean initial fish weight( g ) mean initial fish weight( g ) ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGLaGaae4DaiaabwgacaqGPbGaae4zaiaabIgacaqG0bGa aeiiaiaabEgacaqGHbGaaeyAaiaab6gacqGH9aqpdaWcaaWdaeaape GaaeytaiaabwgacaqGHbGaaeOBaiaabccacaqGMbGaaeyAaiaab6ga caqGHbGaaeiBaiaabccacaqGMbGaaeyAaiaabohacaqGObGaaeiiai aabEhacaqGLbGaaeyAaiaabEgacaqGObGaaeiDamaabmaapaqaa8qa caqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzkaaGaeyOeI0IaaeyBaiaabwgacaqGHbGaae OBaiaabccacaqGPbGaaeOBaiaabMgacaqG0bGaaeyAaiaabggacaqG SbGaaeiiaiaabAgacaqGPbGaae4CaiaabIgacaqGGaGaae4Daiaabw gacaqGPbGaae4zaiaabIgacaqG0bWaaeWaa8aabaWdbiaabEgaaiaa wIcacaGLPaaaa8aabaWdbiaab2gacaqGLbGaaeyyaiaab6gacaqGGa GaaeyAaiaab6gacaqGPbGaaeiDaiaabMgacaqGHbGaaeiBaiaabcca caqGMbGaaeyAaiaabohacaqGObGaaeiiaiaabEhacaqGLbGaaeyAai aabEgacaqGObGaaeiDamaabmaapaqaa8qacaqGNbaacaGLOaGaayzk aaaaaiabgEna0kaaigdacaaIWaGaaGimaaaa@8D9B@

SGR( % per day )= log e W 2 log e W 1 T 2 T 1 ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGtbGaae4raiaabkfadaqadaWdaeaapeGaaeyjaiaabcca caqGWbGaaeyzaiaabkhacaqGGaGaaeizaiaabggacaqG5baacaGLOa GaayzkaaGaeyypa0ZaaSaaa8aabaWdbiGacYgacaGGVbGaai4za8aa daWgaaqaa8qacaqGLbaapaqabaWdbiaabEfapaWaaSbaaeaapeGaaG OmaaWdaeqaa8qacqGHsislciGGSbGaai4BaiaacEgapaWaaSbaaeaa peGaaeyzaaWdaeqaa8qacaqGxbWdamaaBaaabaWdbiaaigdaa8aabe aaaeaapeGaaeiva8aadaWgaaqaa8qacaaIYaaapaqabaWdbiabgkHi TiaabsfapaWaaSbaaeaapeGaaGymaaWdaeqaaaaapeGaey41aqRaaG ymaiaaicdacaaIWaaaaa@5996@

Where,

W1= Initial live body weight (g) at time T1 (day)

W2= Final live body weight (g) at time T2 (day)

T2- T1 = Duration of the experiment (day)

Survival rate( % )= No. of Fish Harvested No. of Fish Stocked ×100 MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aqatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGtbGaaeyDaiaabkhacaqG2bGaaeyAaiaabAhacaqGHbGa aeiBaiaabccacaqGYbGaaeyyaiaabshacaqGLbWaaeWaa8aabaWdbi aabwcaaiaawIcacaGLPaaacqGH9aqpdaWcaaWdaeaapeGaaeOtaiaa b+gacaqGUaGaaeiiaiaab+gacaqGMbGaaeiiaiaabAeacaqGPbGaae 4CaiaabIgacaqGGaGaaeisaiaabggacaqGYbGaaeODaiaabwgacaqG ZbGaaeiDaiaabwgacaqGKbaapaqaa8qacaqGobGaae4Baiaab6caca qGGaGaae4BaiaabAgacaqGGaGaaeOraiaabMgacaqGZbGaaeiAaiaa bccacaqGtbGaaeiDaiaab+gacaqGJbGaae4AaiaabwgacaqGKbaaai abgEna0kaaigdacaaIWaGaaGimaaaa@6C9D@

Production = No. of fish harvested × Final weight of fish

Food Conversion Ratio ( FCR ) = Dry feed Fed Live weight gain MathType@MTEF@5@5@+= feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq=Jc9 vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0=yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr=x fr=xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaqcfaieaaaaaa aaa8qacaqGgbGaae4Baiaab+gacaqGKbGaaeiiaiaaboeacaqGVbGa aeOBaiaabAhacaqGLbGaaeOCaiaabohacaqGPbGaae4Baiaab6gaca qGGaGaaeOuaiaabggacaqG0bGaaeyAaiaab+gacaqGGaWdamaabmaa baWdbiaadAeacaWGdbGaamOuaaWdaiaawIcacaGLPaaapeGaaeiiai abg2da9maalaaapaqaa8qacaqGebGaaeOCaiaabMhacaqGGaGaaeOz aiaabwgacaqGLbGaaeizaiaabccacaqGgbGaaeyzaiaabsgaa8aaba WdbiaabYeacaqGPbGaaeODaiaabwgacaqGGaGaae4DaiaabwgacaqG PbGaae4zaiaabIgacaqG0bGaaeiiaiaabEgacaqGHbGaaeyAaiaab6 gaaaaaaa@6878@

Analysis of the data was done by using the software SPSS version 16.0 and significance was assigned at 1% level of probability.

Results and discussion

Proximate composition analysis

To know the acceptability of the feed proximate composition analysis is important. Generally, in all treatments the fish become habituated to the experimental diet within 2- 3 days of feeding (Table 1).

Parameters

Amount (%)

Moisture

12.14

Protein

27.94

Crude fiber

5.23

Lipid

7.95

Ash

15.38

NFE

36.59

Table 1 Proximate compositions of the experimental diet (% dry matter basis)

Water quality parameters

Water temperature (°C)

During the study period the water temperature varied from 31.7 to 27.5°C in T1, 31.8 to 27.2°C in T2 and 31.6 to 27.5°C in T3. The mean values of water temperature in treatments T1, T2 and T3 were 29.52±1.37, 29.49±1.51 and 29.46±1.36°C, respectively. The maximum temperature 32°C was recorded in treatment T2 on 21 August whereas the minimum (27.1°C) was in T2 on November 11.

Dissolved Oxygen

The dissolved oxygen content of the water was found to vary from 4.55 to 5.75 mg/l in T1, 4.30 to 6.40 mg/l in T2 and 4.8 to 5.75 mg/l in T3. The mean values of dissolved oxygen content of the water in treatment T1, T2 and T3 were 5.02±0.53, 5.28±0.65 and 5.29±0.34 mg/l, respectively. The highest value of dissolved oxygen content (6.6 mg/l) was found in T2 on 21st August whereas the lowest value (4.2 mg/l) of dissolved oxygen content was found in T2 on 4th November. No significant variation of dissolved oxygen was observed among the treatments.

PH

Variation in the pH values under different treatments were revealed during study period. The range of pH values recorded in treatment T1, T2 and T3 were found to vary between 7.135 to 7.650, 7.355 to 8.275 and 7.425 to 7.945, respectively. The mean values of pH content of the water in T1, T2 and T3 were 7.38±0.22, 7.92±0.30 and 7.67±0.16, respectively. The highest pH (8.3) obtained with the treatment T3 on 5th October whereas the lowest pH value (6.98) was recorded in T1 on 7th July. There was no significant variations of pH values under different treatments were found and the values were alkaline range during the study period (Table 2).

Treatments

 

Parameters

 

Temperature (°C )

dissolved oxygen (mg/l)

pH

T1

29.52±1.37

5.02±0.53

7.38±0.22

T2

29.49±1.51

5.28±0.65

7.92±0.30

T3

29.46±1.36

5.29±0.34

7.67±0.16

Table 2 Mean (±SD) values of water quality parameters in all treatments throughout the study period

Growth performance of fish

For the assessment of proper growth performance of monosex male tilapia fry in different treatments during experimental period, mean weight gain, percent weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR% per day), survival (%), food conversion ratio (FCR) and production (Kg/dec/4 months) were calculated and are shown in Table 3.

Growth parameters

Treatment

LSD

T1

T2

T3

 

Initial weight (g)

5.7±0.00

5.7±0.00

5.7±0.00

0.00

Final weight (g)

329.38±2.05a

300.25±0.87b

250.42±2.33c

2.795

Weight gain (g)

323.68±2.05a

294.55±0.87b

244.72±2.33c

2.795

% Weight gain

5678.65±35.98a

5167.54±15.3b

4293.27±40.94c

49.029

SGR (%/day)

3.38±0.01a

3.30±0.001b

3.15±0.01c

0.015

Survival (%)

94.75±0.354a

93±0.707a

90.5±0.707b

1.378

FCR

0.883±0.0057a

0.971±0.0035b

1.168±0.0113c

0.004

Fish production
kg/decimal/4 months

62.42±0.62a

55.85±0.26b

45.33±0.78c

0.891

Table 3 Growth parameters of monosex tilapia observed during the study period
In column, Mean followed by the same letter (s) did not differ significantly at 0.01level. Lsd= Least Significant Differences, FCR= Food Conversion Ratio, SGR=Specific Growth Rate

Weight gain

There was no significant (p˂0.01) difference in initial weight of fish in different treatment. The weight gain of fish was 323.68±2.05, 294.55±0.87 and 244.72±2.33 g for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The significantly (P˂0.01) highest weight gain (323.68 g) was found in fish having feeding frequency four times and lowest weight gain (244.72 g) was found in fish having feeding frequency two times.

Percent weight gain

There was no significant (p˂0.01) difference in initial weight of fish in different treatment. The percent weight gain of fish was 5678.65±35.98% for T1, 5167.54±15.31% for T2 and 4293.27±40.94% for T3. The significantly (P˂0.01) highest percent weight gain (5678.65%) was observed in T1 having feeding frequency four times. The minimum percent weight gain (4293.27%) was observed in T3 having feeding frequency two times.

Specific growth rate (SGR % per day)

The values of specific growth rate of monosex tilapia were observed as, 3.38±0.01, 3.30±0.001 and 3.15±0.01 in treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively. There were significant (P˂0.01) differences among the different treatments. SGR progressively increased with the increase in feeding frequency. The significantly highest specific growth rate (3.38) was observed in T1, might be due to the fact that the fish have utilized effectively the supplied feed taking small amount at a rate of four times in a day. The lowest specific growth rate (3.15) was observed in T3.

Survival (%)

The survivability of monosex tilapia was observed as 94.75±0.354, 93±0.707 and 90.5±0.707% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The highest survivability was recorded in treatment T1 and the lowest survivability was in T3. The little variation of survivability was occurred due to environmental condition and feeding frequency. In T1 feeding frequency was four times in a day so the feed utilization rate was high and the survivability was also high. A more or less similar survival rate was observed by Rahman MM20 who recorded survival rate ranged from 94 to 95%.

Food conversion ratio (FCR)

Food conversion ratio (FCR) value of the diet used for feeding fry, at different frequencies of four times, three times and two times a day were found as 0.883, 0.971 and 1.168, respectively. The mean least FCR value 0.883 was found in T1 where the fish fed with a frequency four times daily. The highest mean FCR value 1.168 was found in T3 where fry fed two times daily.

Production (kg/dec/4 months)

The production was observed to be 62.42±0.62, 55.85±0.26 and 45.33±0.78 kg/dec/4 months in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The significantly (P˂0.01) highest fish production was obtained 62.42±0.62 kg/dec/4 months in T1 under four times feeding frequencies and production was found to be decreased significantly with the decrease in feeding frequencies. The lowest fish production 45.33±0.78 kg/dec/4 months was observed in T3 under two times feeding frequencies which might be due to ineffective feed utilization bulk ration at a time and resulting decreased feed efficiency (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Growth of monosex tilapia in terms of increase in weight (g) in different treatments during experimental period.

In the present study, a commercial feed (Mega feed) was used for Monosex Tilapia farming under field conditions by feeding fish at different feeding time and frequencies. During the study period, physico-chemical parameters and growth parameters have also been observed. Growth, feed efficiency and feed consumption of fish are normally governed by few environmental factors.21s-22 The water quality parameters measured during the study period were within the acceptable limit for fish culture. Water temperature found during the study period is more or less similar in different treatments. The maximum temperature 32°C was recorded in treatment T2 on 21 August whereas the minimum (27.1°C) was in T2 on November 11, which might be due to low strength of sunlight which is very close to the findings of.23 The DO content in water was revealed 4.2 to 6.6 mg/l during the study period in all the treatment ponds. Kohinoor AHM & Hossain MY24,25s reported more or less similar results where the DO values of fish ponds ranged from 3.8 to 6.9 mg/L and 2.04 to 7.5 mg/L respectively. The range of pH in the experimental ponds was recorded to be slightly alkaline 6.98-8.3. This is within the acceptable range required for fish culture 6.5-9.0.26 During the experimental period, three feeding frequency were applied to observe the growth performance of tilapia. The mean final weight of tilapia was 329.38 g for T1, 300.25 g for T2 and 250.42 g for T3. The mean weight gain of 323.68, 294.55 and 244.72 g and mean percent weight gain of 5678.65, 5167.54 and 4293.27% and mean SGR of 3.38, 3.30 and 3.15% were recorded in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The highest weight gain, percent weight gain and SGR were found in T1 which might be due to the effect of having four times feeding frequencies in a day which indicate the effective utilization of feed. The lowest were found in T3 having feeding frequency two times a day. The survival rate was 94.75, 93 and 90.5% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. FCR values were 0.883, 0.971 and 1.168 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The best FCR value was obtained in T1 where fry were fed with four times feeding frequency. The production was observed to be 62.42, 55.85 and 45.33 kg/dec/4 months in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The significantly (P˂0.01) highest fish production was obtained 62.42 kg/dec/4 months in T1 under four times feeding frequencies and production was found to be decreased significantly with the decrease in feeding frequencies. The lowest fish production 45.33 kg/dec/4 months were observed in T3 under two times feeding frequencies.

Conclusion

Based on the above discussion, the highest mean weight gain, survival and production was observed in T1 treatment which is under four times feeding frequencies. However, further investigation should be carried out for sustainable monosex tilapia culture in Bangladesh and evolve a definite pond culture technology of monosex tilapia culture. Therefore, it might be concluded that feeding frequency played a vital role on the growth and production performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

There was a believe that if fishes are given 1% feed on their body weight at a time perform good growth, but now a days we found that increased feeding frequency played better result on the growth and production of monosex male tilapia. However, further investigation should be carried out for sustainable monosex tilapia culture in Bangladesh and we hope it would also helps to evolve a definite pond culture technology of monosex tilapia culture in our country.

Acknowledgments

None.

Conflicts of interest

None.

References

  1. Pandian TJ. Protein requirements of fish and prawns cultured in Asia. In: De Silva (Ed.), Fish Nutrition Research in Asia. Proceedings of the 3rd Asian Fish Nutrition Network Meeting, Asian Fisheries Society, Philippines. 1989;pp.11–22.
  2. NRC (National Research Council), Nutrient requirements of fish. National Academy Press, USA. 1993.
  3. Phillips TA, Summerfelt RC, Clayton RD. Feeding frequency effects on water quality and growth of walleye fingerlings in intensive culture. Progres Fish–Culturist. 1998;60:1–8.
  4. Wang N, Hayward RS, Noltie DB. Variation in food consumption, growth, and growth efficiency among juvenile hybrid sunfish held individually. Aquaculture. 1998;167(1–2):43–52.
  5. Brett JR, Groves TDD. Physiological Energetics. In: Fish physiology (Eds.), WS Hoar, DJ Randall Vol. VIII, Academic Press, USA. Pp.1979;.279–352.
  6. Reddy SR, Katre S. Growth rate and conversion efficiency of the air breathing catfish, Hetropneustes fossilis, in relation to ration size. Aquaculture. 197918(1):35–40.
  7. Hung SSO, Lutes PB. Optimum feeding rate of hatchery–product juvenile white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) at 20°C. Aquaculture. 198765(3–4):307–317.
  8. Hung SSO, Conte FS, Hallen EF. Effects of feeding rates on growth, body composition and nutrient metabolism in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) fingerlings. Aquaculture. 1993;112(4):349–361.
  9. Lovell RT. Feeding practices. In: Nutrition and feeding of channel catfish, Southern Cooperative series. 1977;218:50–55.
  10. De Silva SS, Davy FB. Fish nutrition research for semi–intensive culture system in Asia. Asia Fisheries Science. 1992;5(1992):129–144.
  11. Murai T, Andrews JW. Effect of frequency of feeding on growth and food conversion of channel cat fish fry. Bull. Jap Soc Sci Fish. 1976;42(2):159–161.
  12. Chiu YN, Sumagaysay NS, Sastrillo MGS. Effect of feeding frequency and feeding rate on the growth and feed efficiency of milk fish, Chanoschanos(Forskal) juveniles. Asian Fish. Sci. 1987;1:27–31.
  13. Nunez JD, Donos TG. Feeding strategies of Salmonid cages and residuals assessment in lake Rupanco. Osorno, Chile. Medio. Ambiente. 1995;12:76–81.
  14. Jarboe HH, Grant WJ. The influence of feeding time and frequency on the growth, survival, feed conversion and body composition of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, cultured in a three tier, close recirculating raceway. J. Appl. Aquaculture. 1997;7(1):13–62.
  15. Lim CE, Webster CD. Tilapia: biology, culture, and nutrition. The Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Bringhamton, USA. 2006;pp.13904–1580.
  16. Chowdhury DK. Optimal feeding rate for Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus), M.Sc thesis, Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, UK. 2011;p.1–76.
  17. Gupta MV, Ahmed M, Bimbao MA, et al. Socio–economic impact and farmers Assessment of Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) culture in Bangladesh. ICLARM technical Report No. 35. International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, Philippines, pp. 1992;50.
  18. Kohinoor AHM, Modak PC, Hussain MG. Growth and Production performance of red Tilapia and Nile Tilapia under low input culture system. Bangladesh J. Fish Res. 1998;3(1):11–17.
  19. Horwitz W. Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (14th edn), Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Washington DC, USA. Pp. 1984;1018.
  20. Rahman MM. Effect of addition of calbaush (Labeocalbasu) in the periphyton based aquaculture system of rohu and catla. MS dissertation, Department of Fisheries Management, BAU, Bangladesh. 2000.
  21. Fry FE. The effect of environmental factors on the physiology of fish. In: WS Hoar & DJ Randall (Eds.), Fish Physiology, Environmental relations and Behaviour. Academic Press, USA. Pp. 1971;1–98.
  22. Brett JR. Environmental factors and growth. In: Haor WS & Randall DJ (Eds.), Fish Physiology, Environmental relations and behaviour. Academic Press, USA, pp. 1979;599–677.
  23. Wahab MA, Ahmed ZF, Islam MA, et al. Effect of introduction of common carp, Cyprinuscarpio L., of the pond ecology and growth of fish in polyculture. Aquacult. Res. 2001;26(9):619–628.
  24. Kohinoor AHM. Development of culture technology of three indigenous fish mola (Amblypharyn godonmola), Punti (Puntiussophore) & Chela (Chela cachius) with notes on some aspects of their biology, Ph. D dissertation, Department of Fisheries Management, BAU, Bangladesh, pp. 2000;363.
  25. Hossain MY. Effects of iso–phosphorus organic and inorganic fertilizer on water quality parameters and biological production. MS Thesis, Department of Fisheries Management, BAU, Bangladesh, pp. 2000;74.
  26. Boyd CE. Water quality in ponds for Aquaculture. Birmingham Publishing Co., Birmingham, USA. 1990;pp.482.
Creative Commons Attribution License

©2017 Karim, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.