Effect of Different Fish Feed Sources on Growth and Economic Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Within Subsistence Setup in Liberia
Keywords:
Specific Growth Rate, Farmer Formulated Fish Feeds, Nile tilapia, Fish Farming, Proximate composition
Abstract
The wide adoption of O. niloticus for farming, particularly among smallholder farmers, can be attributed to its feeding versatility. However, its production in Liberia remains low, despite possessing desirable culture characteristics. This limited yield hampers the potential for commercialization and delays the overarching goal of utilizing fish farming to alleviate poverty and hunger. One of the primary challenges faced by fish farmers is the utilization of subpar feeds. To address this issue, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of various feed recipes available to Liberian farmers, including two feeds formulated by farmers themselves (FF1 and FF2) and two commercially manufactured feeds (CF1 and CF2). These feeds were compared with a research-formulated feed designated as PF. The growth and economic performance of O. niloticus were assessed over a six-month period using fifteen Hapa nets. The findings of our study revealed that the feeds formulated by farmers and commercial feed CF2 exhibited inferior performance in terms of Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and Weight Gain (WG). In contrast, PF and CF1 demonstrated significantly higher values (P<0.05) with FCR scores of 7.87 and 8.27, and SGR values of 1.08 and 1.05, respectively. The present study also introduced a production cost index (PCI) that can be used as an indicator of fish feed performance in fish farming, while holding the other costs constant. PF and CF1 feeds displayed the lowest PCI of 0.92 and 1.57, surpassing the other tested feeds. The lower PCI values were associated with higher economic returns compared to alternative feeds. This study concludes that feed quality is a major factor sustaining poor O. niloticus production, however with right formulation of the locally available materials farmers can achieve optimal yields for commercial aquaculture.
References
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Addo, S., Mullah, S., Ofori-Danson, P. K., Amponsah, S. K. K., & Nyarko, J. O. (2021). Prevalence of parasitic infections on cultured Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) In Bong County, Liberia. Ghana Journal of Science, 62(1), 13-25.
Afram, F., Agbo, N. W., Adjei-Boateng, D., & Egna, H. (2021). Effects of Feeding Strategies on Growth Performance and Economic Returns on the Production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Fertilized Ponds. Aquaculture Studies, 21(2), 63-73.
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Aragão, C., Gonçalves, A., Costas, B., Azeredo, R., Xavier, M. J., & Engrola, S. (2022). Alternative Proteins for Fish Diets: Implications beyond Growth. Animals, 12, 1211.
Béné, C., Arthur, R., Norbury, H., Allison, E. H., Beveridge, M., Bush, S., . . . Williams, M. (2016). Contribution of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Food Security and Poverty Reduction: Assessing the Current Evidence. World Development, 79, 177–196. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.11.007
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Boyd, C. E. (2021). A low feed conversion ratio is the primary indicator of efficient aquaculture.
Chan, C. Y., Tran, N., Pethiyagoda, S., Crissman, C. C., Sulser, T. B., & Phillips, M. J. (2019). Prospects and challenges of fish for food security in Africa. Global Food Security, 20, 17-25.
Davidson, J., Barrows, F. T., Kenney, P. B., Good, C., Schroyer, K., & Summerfelt, S. T. (2016). Effects of feeding a fishmeal-free versus a fishmeal-based diet on post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar performance, water quality, and waste production in recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural engineering, 74, 38-51.
Diana, J. S., Lin, C. K., & Schneeberger, P. J. (1991). Relationships among nutrient inputs, water nutrient concentrations, primary production, and yield of Oreochromis niloticus in ponds. Aquaculture, 92, 323-341.
El Basuini, M. F., Teiba, I. I., Shahin, S. A., Mourad, M. M., Zaki, M. A., Labib, E. M., . . . Dawood, M. A. (2022). Dietary Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) enhanced the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, immune response and ameliorated stress-related markers induced by hypoxia stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish & shellfish immunology, 120, 337-344.
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Glencross, B. D., Baily, J., Berntssen, M. H. G., Hardy, R., MacKenzie, S., & Tocher, D. R. (2020). Risk assessment of the use of alternative animal and plant raw material resources in aquaculture feeds. Rev. Aquac, 12, 703–758.
Hardy, R. W. (2010). Utilization of plant proteins in fish diets: Effects of global demand and supplies of fishmeal. Aquac. Res, 41, 770–776.
Harohau, D., Blythe, J., Sheaves, M., & Diedrich, A. (2020). Limits of tilapia aquaculture for rural livelihoods in Solomon Islands. Sustainability, 12(11), 4592.
Hebicha, H. A., El Naggar, G. O., & Nasr-Allah, A. M. (2013). Production economics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) pond culture in El-Fayum Governorate, Egypt. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 25(3), 227-238.
Hinneh, M. K.-Y., Liti, M. D., & Matolla, G. (2022). Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming Intensities in Liberia. Aquac. J, 2, 203-215. doi:10.3390/aquacj2030011
Hinneh, M. K. Y., Liti, M. D., & Matolla, G. (2022). Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming Intensities in Liberia. Aquaculture Journal, 2(3), 203-215.
Hodar, A. R., Vasava, R. J., Mahavadiya, D. R., & Joshi, N. H. (2020). Fish meal and fish oil replacement for aqua feed formulation by using alternative sources: A review. J. Exp. Zool. India, 231, 13-21.
Houlihan, D., Boujard, T., & Jobling, M. (2001). Food Intake in Fish: Blackwell science, Oxford.
Jauncey, K., & Ross, B. (1982). A guide to tilapia feeds and feeding. Scotland: University of Stirling: Institute of Aquaculture.
Kamalam, B. S., Medale, F., & Panserat, S. (2017). Utilisation of dietary carbohydrates in farmed fishes: New insights on influencing factors, biological limitations and future strategies. Aquaculture. Elsevier B.V, 467, 3-27. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.02.007
Kamarudin, M. S., Sulaiman, M. A., & Ismail, M. F. (2018). Effects of dietary crude fiber level on growth performance, body composition, liver glycogen and intestinal short chain fatty acids of a tropical carp (Barbonymus gonionotus♀ X Hypsibarbus wetmorei male♂). Journal of Environmental Biology, 39(5), 813-820.
Li, M. H., Oberle, D. F., & Lucas, P. M. (2012). Effects of dietary fiber concentrations supplied by corn bran on feed intake, growth, and feed efficiency of channel catfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 74(2), 148 –153. doi:10.1080/15222055.2012.672374
Munguti, J. M., Nairuti, R., Iteba, J. O., Obiero, K. O., Kyule, D., Opiyo, M. A., . . . Githukia, C. M. (2022). Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) culture in Kenya: Emerging production technologies and socio‐economic impacts on local livelihoods. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 2(4), .265-276.
Nobrega, R. O., Banze, J. F., Batista, R. O., & Fracalossi, D. M. (2020). Improving winter production of Nile tilapia: What can be done? Aquaculture Reports, 18, 100453.
Prabu, E., Felix, S., Felix, N., Ahilan, B., & Ruby, P. (2017). An overview on significance of fish nutrition in aquaculture industry. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5(6), 349-355.
Pradeepkiran, J. A. (2019). Aquaculture role in global food security with nutritional value: a review. Translational Animal Science, 3(2), 903-910.
Rahman, M. T., Nielsen, R., Khan, M. A., & Ankamah-Yeboah, I. (2020). Impact of management practices and managerial ability on the financial performance of aquaculture farms in Bangladesh. Aquaculture Economics & Management, 24(1), 79-101.
Roques, S., Deborde, C., Richard, N., Skiba-Cassy, S., Moing, A., & Fauconneau, B. (2018). Metabolomics and fish nutrition: a review in the context of sustainable feed development. Reviews in Aquaculture, 12, 261-282. doi:10.1111/raq.12316
Ssepuuya, G., Sebatta, C., Sikahwa, E., Fuuna, P., Sengendo, M., Mugisha, J., . . . Nakimbugwe, D. (2019). Perception and awareness of insects as an alternative protein source among fish farmers and fish feed traders. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 5(2), 107-116.
Stankus, A. (2021). State of world aquaculture 2020 and regional reviews. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, 63, 17-18.
Abdel-Tawwab, M., & Ahmad, M. H. (2009). Effect of dietary protein regime during the growing period on growth performance, feed utilization and whole-body chemical composition of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus(L.). Aquaculture Research, 40(13), 1532–1537. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2109.2009.02254.x
Addo, S., Mullah, S., Ofori-Danson, P. K., Amponsah, S. K. K., & Nyarko, J. O. (2021). Prevalence of parasitic infections on cultured Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) In Bong County, Liberia. Ghana Journal of Science, 62(1), 13-25.
Afram, F., Agbo, N. W., Adjei-Boateng, D., & Egna, H. (2021). Effects of Feeding Strategies on Growth Performance and Economic Returns on the Production of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Fertilized Ponds. Aquaculture Studies, 21(2), 63-73.
AOAC. (2006). Official Methods of Analysis (18th edition ed.). Maryland, USA: Association of Official Analytical Chemists.
Aragão, C., Gonçalves, A., Costas, B., Azeredo, R., Xavier, M. J., & Engrola, S. (2022). Alternative Proteins for Fish Diets: Implications beyond Growth. Animals, 12, 1211.
Béné, C., Arthur, R., Norbury, H., Allison, E. H., Beveridge, M., Bush, S., . . . Williams, M. (2016). Contribution of Fisheries and Aquaculture to Food Security and Poverty Reduction: Assessing the Current Evidence. World Development, 79, 177–196. doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2015.11.007
BNF. (2010). Bureau of National Fisheries. A developing sector Aquaculture. Monrovia: Ministry of Agriculture
Boyd, C. E. (2021). A low feed conversion ratio is the primary indicator of efficient aquaculture.
Chan, C. Y., Tran, N., Pethiyagoda, S., Crissman, C. C., Sulser, T. B., & Phillips, M. J. (2019). Prospects and challenges of fish for food security in Africa. Global Food Security, 20, 17-25.
Davidson, J., Barrows, F. T., Kenney, P. B., Good, C., Schroyer, K., & Summerfelt, S. T. (2016). Effects of feeding a fishmeal-free versus a fishmeal-based diet on post-smolt Atlantic salmon Salmo salar performance, water quality, and waste production in recirculation aquaculture systems. Aquacultural engineering, 74, 38-51.
Diana, J. S., Lin, C. K., & Schneeberger, P. J. (1991). Relationships among nutrient inputs, water nutrient concentrations, primary production, and yield of Oreochromis niloticus in ponds. Aquaculture, 92, 323-341.
El Basuini, M. F., Teiba, I. I., Shahin, S. A., Mourad, M. M., Zaki, M. A., Labib, E. M., . . . Dawood, M. A. (2022). Dietary Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) enhanced the growth performance, antioxidative capacity, immune response and ameliorated stress-related markers induced by hypoxia stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish & shellfish immunology, 120, 337-344.
FAO. (2018). Meeting the sustainable development goals. Retrieved from Rome:
Garlock, T., Asche, F., Anderson, J., Ceballos-Concha, A., Love, D. C., Osmundsen, T. C., & Pincinato, R. B. M. (2022). Aquaculture: The missing contributor in the food security agenda. Global Food Security, 32. doi:10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100620
Glencross, B. D., Baily, J., Berntssen, M. H. G., Hardy, R., MacKenzie, S., & Tocher, D. R. (2020). Risk assessment of the use of alternative animal and plant raw material resources in aquaculture feeds. Rev. Aquac, 12, 703–758.
Hardy, R. W. (2010). Utilization of plant proteins in fish diets: Effects of global demand and supplies of fishmeal. Aquac. Res, 41, 770–776.
Harohau, D., Blythe, J., Sheaves, M., & Diedrich, A. (2020). Limits of tilapia aquaculture for rural livelihoods in Solomon Islands. Sustainability, 12(11), 4592.
Hebicha, H. A., El Naggar, G. O., & Nasr-Allah, A. M. (2013). Production economics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) pond culture in El-Fayum Governorate, Egypt. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 25(3), 227-238.
Hinneh, M. K.-Y., Liti, M. D., & Matolla, G. (2022). Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming Intensities in Liberia. Aquac. J, 2, 203-215. doi:10.3390/aquacj2030011
Hinneh, M. K. Y., Liti, M. D., & Matolla, G. (2022). Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming Intensities in Liberia. Aquaculture Journal, 2(3), 203-215.
Hodar, A. R., Vasava, R. J., Mahavadiya, D. R., & Joshi, N. H. (2020). Fish meal and fish oil replacement for aqua feed formulation by using alternative sources: A review. J. Exp. Zool. India, 231, 13-21.
Houlihan, D., Boujard, T., & Jobling, M. (2001). Food Intake in Fish: Blackwell science, Oxford.
Jauncey, K., & Ross, B. (1982). A guide to tilapia feeds and feeding. Scotland: University of Stirling: Institute of Aquaculture.
Kamalam, B. S., Medale, F., & Panserat, S. (2017). Utilisation of dietary carbohydrates in farmed fishes: New insights on influencing factors, biological limitations and future strategies. Aquaculture. Elsevier B.V, 467, 3-27. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2016.02.007
Kamarudin, M. S., Sulaiman, M. A., & Ismail, M. F. (2018). Effects of dietary crude fiber level on growth performance, body composition, liver glycogen and intestinal short chain fatty acids of a tropical carp (Barbonymus gonionotus♀ X Hypsibarbus wetmorei male♂). Journal of Environmental Biology, 39(5), 813-820.
Li, M. H., Oberle, D. F., & Lucas, P. M. (2012). Effects of dietary fiber concentrations supplied by corn bran on feed intake, growth, and feed efficiency of channel catfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 74(2), 148 –153. doi:10.1080/15222055.2012.672374
Munguti, J. M., Nairuti, R., Iteba, J. O., Obiero, K. O., Kyule, D., Opiyo, M. A., . . . Githukia, C. M. (2022). Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) culture in Kenya: Emerging production technologies and socio‐economic impacts on local livelihoods. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 2(4), .265-276.
Nobrega, R. O., Banze, J. F., Batista, R. O., & Fracalossi, D. M. (2020). Improving winter production of Nile tilapia: What can be done? Aquaculture Reports, 18, 100453.
Prabu, E., Felix, S., Felix, N., Ahilan, B., & Ruby, P. (2017). An overview on significance of fish nutrition in aquaculture industry. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 5(6), 349-355.
Pradeepkiran, J. A. (2019). Aquaculture role in global food security with nutritional value: a review. Translational Animal Science, 3(2), 903-910.
Rahman, M. T., Nielsen, R., Khan, M. A., & Ankamah-Yeboah, I. (2020). Impact of management practices and managerial ability on the financial performance of aquaculture farms in Bangladesh. Aquaculture Economics & Management, 24(1), 79-101.
Roques, S., Deborde, C., Richard, N., Skiba-Cassy, S., Moing, A., & Fauconneau, B. (2018). Metabolomics and fish nutrition: a review in the context of sustainable feed development. Reviews in Aquaculture, 12, 261-282. doi:10.1111/raq.12316
Ssepuuya, G., Sebatta, C., Sikahwa, E., Fuuna, P., Sengendo, M., Mugisha, J., . . . Nakimbugwe, D. (2019). Perception and awareness of insects as an alternative protein source among fish farmers and fish feed traders. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 5(2), 107-116.
Stankus, A. (2021). State of world aquaculture 2020 and regional reviews. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, 63, 17-18.
Published
2023-05-18
How to Cite
Mandela, H., Liti, M., Matolla, G., & Mutio, J. (2023, May 18). Effect of Different Fish Feed Sources on Growth and Economic Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Within Subsistence Setup in Liberia. African Journal of Education,Science and Technology, 7(3), Pg 927-937. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.2022/ajest.v7i3.929
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