TITLE:
Suitable Temperature, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate for Optimal Growth of Sex Reversed Fry of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Senegal River Strain)
AUTHORS:
Mbaye Tine, Adji Bineta Thiombane, Famara Sonko, Ndeye Dioguy Ndiaye, Hamet Diaw Diadhiou
KEYWORDS:
Density, Feeding Rate, Fry, Growth, Temperature, Nile Tilapia
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
28,
2022
ABSTRACT: Determining the suitable fish farming conditions for optimal growth is necessary for aquaculture production, but it is not very obvious because it requires a good understanding of species biology. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effects of different temperature regimes, stocking densities, and feeding rates on the growth of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings that have been sex-reversed with 17α methyl testosterone. Three independent experiments were performed (with replicates) at the IRD Bel-Air fish farm (Dakar, Senegal) on 27-day-old fry maintained in six 25 L tanks with a batch of 100 individuals each. These fry were subjected to three different temperatures (26˚C, 28˚C, 30˚C; kept constant with thermostats), stocking densities (5, 10 and 15 ind/l) and feeding rates (5%, 10% and 15% of biomass; distributed three times a day). For the temperature and density treatments, fry was fed a pelleted feed containing 38% protein, distributed by hand at 10% of their total biomass, readjusted after each measurement. Growth performance (total weight, weight gain and daily weight gain), physicochemical parameters (temperature, oxygen, nitrite and phosphorus), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival rate (SR) were regularly monitored (weekly) during the experimental period. For the heat treatment, the results did not show an apparent relationship between growth performance and nitrite, phosphorus or dissolved oxygen (DO) contents. In contrast, there was a significant correlation between temperature and growth rates, with the best growth being obtained at 30˚C compared to 28˚C and 26˚C. Similarly, growth rates were correlated with stocking density and feeding rate but not with oxygen, temperature, nitrite or phosphorus levels. The best growth rates were observed at the lowest density (5 ind/l) and for the highest feeding rate (15% of biomass), which coincides with the best FCR and survival rates. Thus, 30˚C, 5 ind/l and 15% of biomass appeared to be the most favorable temperature, stocking density and feeding rate for optimal growth of Nile tilapia fry after inversion. The application of these results in the culture systems will allow to reach a good production of O. niloticus and thus to contribute to sustainable development of fish culture in Senegal.