Abstract:
Suitability of using cynaophyceae (Arthrospira fusiformis) to replace fishmeal (Caridina nilotica) as a main protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated at a ratios of: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The five dietary treatments were tested in triplicate in static earthen ponds for 160 days. Growth, Food conversion ratio (FCR), and nutrient utilization in fish fed at 25% and 50% A. fusiformis were better than those fed 75% and 100% A. fusiformis but not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those
fed with C. nilotica diets alone. Growth reduction, increased FCR and reduced nutrient utilization occurred with increasing A. fusiformis in the diet beyond 50% inclusion levels. Survival was however better at higher levels of A. fusiformis inclusion. Thus it is possible to replace up to 50% of C. nilotica with A. fusiformis in the diets of O. niloticus.
