Effect of Dietary Protein Level, Stocking Density, and Dietary Pantothenic Acid Supplementation Rate on Performance and Blood Components of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

Protein in the diet (25 Vs 31%), stocking rate (100 Vs 200 fish per m3), and inclusion rate of pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, (10 Vs 20 mg/kg diet) were compared for their effects on blood plasma protein, albumin, urea-N, creatinine, plasma transaminase enzymes (AST and ALT), thyroxin (T3), and growth in Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. Blood total protein, albumin, ALT, T3, and growth were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in fish groups fed the high protein diet, while urea-N concentration in blood was significantly (P < 0.001) lower. Final body weight and daily weight gain were lower and food conversion rate was higher at the higher stocking density. Blood total protein, albumin, ALT, and T3 were lower in fish groups reared at high stocking density. Body weight and daily gain was significantly higher at the higher pantothenic acid inclusion level, while feed conversion ratio was lower. Blood total protein, albumin, ALT, and T3 were also elevated. The highest income to the system was from the group fed high protein, reared at low stocking density and fed diets supplemented with 10 mg vitamin B5.