Can Artificial Feed be Replace by Fresh Macro Algae (Enteromorpha flaxusa) in Hybrid Red Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus andtimes; Oreochromis niloticus) Juvenile Nutrition?

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of use fresh macro algae (seaweed) with or without artificial feed on growth performance, survival percentage and feed efficiency of hybrid red tilapia juvenile reared in brackish water under laboratory conditions. Hybrid red tilapia juvenile were fed on three feeds (artificial feed only, fresh macro algae (Enteromorpha flaxusa) only and 50% artificial feed with 50% fresh macro algae. Survival percentage was within the range 86–90%, with insignificant differences among treatments. The highest final weight and specific growth rate of fish were recorded with fed on artificial feed alone and fresh algae alone. While, fish fed on artificial feed alone led to higher final length, total weight gain and daily growth rate. The highest feed intake was observed with fish fed on fresh algae alone. While the best feed conversion ratio was recorded with fish fed on artificial feed alone. Hybrid red tilapia juvenile were not acceptance of feeding on fresh algae with feeding on artificial feed, this may be the reason for the lower growth in this treatment. From the results of the present study, it can be said that the artificial feed can be replace by fresh macro algae without affecting growth of hybrid red tilapia juvenile.