Utilization of Caridina nilotica (Roux) meal as a protein ingredient in feeds for Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

Abstract

The effects of replacing fish meal with Caridina nilotica as a protein ingredient on growth perfor- mance, nutrient utilization, carcass, proximate composition and economic benefits in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) culture was evaluated. Replacement of the FM with C. nilotica was done at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (D25, D50, D75 and D100) and the substitution effects was compared with the control diet (D0, 0% C. nilotica ). After 140 days of culture, the best growth performance, nutrient utilization and economic benefits occurred in fish groups fed diets with 25% C. nilotica inclu- sion. However, growth performance in fish fed diets D50 and D75 were comparable with the control ( P > 0.05). At 100% substitution level of FM with C. nilotica , the growth performance and fish sur- vival was lower than control. Protein and lipid con- tents in the fish and their digestibilities were highest in diet D25 and decreased with increasing levels of substitution of FM with C. nilotica . This study dem- onstrate that utilization of local protein sources ( C. nilotica ) can be effectively used to replace up to 75% of FM in the diets without compromising growth performance, survival, nutrient utilization and economic benefits in O. niloticus culture