Tilapia nilotica Culture Using Drainage Water in Al-Hassa Region of Saudi Arabia PDF

Keywords

Tilapia, fish, protein feed

Abstract

Tilapia nilotica were cultured for 156 days in three 8 x 5 x 1 m concrete outdoor tanks. 250 fingerlings were stocked in each tank. Water at the rate of 200 l/min was continuously pumped through tanks 1 and 2 (single reuse), and 200 l/min through tank 3 (single pass). Two types of feed, one with 21.6% dietary protein and the other with 30% dietary protein, were fed to the fish. Both feeds had the same ingredients with 3.0 kcal/g digestible energy. Average weight of fish and yield were 150 g and 33.9 kg, 152 g and 34.5 kg, and 209 g and 46.9 kg, in tanks, 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Growth rates of fish fed 30% protein feed were greater than for those fed 21.6% protein feed. The food conversion ratio for 30% protein feed was lower than that for the 21.6% protein feed. In view of these observations tilapia culture prospects in Saudi Arabia are discussed.