Author(s): A.Q. Siddiqui, M. Shahjahan Howlader and A. El Badawy Adam
Article publication date: 1989-12-01
Vol. 7 No. 3 (yearly), pp. 63-73.
201
Keywords
date palm, silage, fish feed
Abstract
Date palm leaf silage was used as an alternative fish feed, and was fed to Oreochromis niloticus of two weight groups. The growth rates and food conversion ratios were compared with fishes of similar weight groups but fed on commercial fish feed; other treatments being the same. The growth performance and feed utilization was less efficient for the silage and this difference was more apparent for smaller weight fishes (mean weight 9.1 g) than for larger fishes (mean weight 125.0 g). Although the water quality with respect to dissolved oxygen content, pH and ammonia levels were not affected, yet considerable amount of fiber accumulated in tanks receiving silage and it required considerable efforts to flush it off. The date palm lead silages appears to be suitable for larger fishes but suitable for small size fishes in tank culture system. However, it could be used as a supplemental feed in pond culture systems where dependence is on natural food.