Effect of Amaranthus caudatus Seed Meal on the Zootechnical Performance of Hybrid Juvenile Tilapia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/rrhfaw67Keywords:
Amaranth, feed efficiency, hybrid tilapia, plant-based diets, protein efficiency, sustainable aquacultureAbstract
Given the need to incorporate nutritionally valuable plant-based ingredients into aquafeeds, Amaranthus caudatus seed meal represents a promising alternative for improving the productive performance of tilapia. The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Amaranthus caudatus seed meal on the zootechnical performance of juvenile red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus). A completely randomised design was applied, comprising five dietary treatments with inclusion levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, each with three replicates. A total of 225 fish were distributed among 15 aquaria, with 15 individuals per experimental unit, over an eight-week feeding trial. Growth performance, survival, feed conversion and protein efficiency indicators were assessed. Initial body weights and lengths were homogeneous among treatments; however, significant differences were observed in productive performance at the end of the trial (p = 0.0001). Zootechnical performance improved from the 10% inclusion level onwards and reached its highest values at 20%, which resulted in a final body weight of 25.53 g, a weight gain of 18.96 g and a specific growth rate of 2.42% day⁻¹. Furthermore, this dietary level produced the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.02 g g⁻¹) and the highest feed efficiency (0.98 g g⁻¹) and protein efficiency ratio (2.81 g g⁻¹). Survival remained at 100% across all treatments. In conclusion, the inclusion of 20% A. caudatus seed meal enhanced growth and feed utilisation, demonstrating its potential as a complementary ingredient in diets for hybrid tilapia.
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