EFFECT OF FEEDING RATE ON THE GROWTH OF TILAPIA (OREOCHROMIS-NILOTICUS) IN EARTHEN PONDS

Nine groups of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles were used to determine the optimum daily feeding rate to apply in a semi-intensive rearing environment (400 m2 earthen ponds, stocked at a density of 1.1 individuals per m2). A compounded plant protein diet containing 27% crude protein was distributed in triplicate according to the following treatments: 4% of fish biomass per day (treatment Tl); using the feeding chart proposed by Marek (T2); ad libitum, using an artisan-made demand feeder (T3). Feeding rates were adjusted at three-week intervals. After the 12-week trial, no significant difference (P>0.05) was found among the treatments for weight increase. Feed intake was significantly different (P<0.05) between the treatments, the most economic feeding rate being according to T2 with a feed gain ratio of 2.