Nutritionists are encouraging use of natural growth promoters in livestock feeds due to their ability to prevent side effects that causes by chemical agents. Black pepper seeds are spices that may use as feed additives to enhance survival, and growth of fish. In the present study, the effects of graded levels of black pepper seeds meal (BPSM) on growth performance, feed and nutrient utilization, body composition and cost-benefit analysis of Florida hybrid red tilapia juveniles were studied. Eight glass aquaria with the dimensions of 70 x 30 x 40 cm were used to stock 15 fish averaging 8.6 g/fish. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 0.5, 1.0,and 2 % of BPSM as feed additive in red tilapia diets. All the diets were isonitrogenous (29-30% crude protein) and isocaloric (457-463 kcal GE/100 g diet). The feed amount was given three times daily, six days a week for 60 days. Fish were weighed biweekly and feed amounts were adjusted on the basis of the new fish weight. Body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed the control diet was relatively lower than all diets had BPSM except the diet containing 2% BPSM. Fish fed 0.5% BPSM was significantly higher (P<0.05) SGR, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), productive protein value (PPV %) and energy retention (ER %) than other tested black paper levels. No significant differences (P>0.05%) were found in moisture, protein, fat, ash and energy contents among all the fish groups fed BPSM levels and the control diet. In addition, diet containing 0.5% BSM was economically superior to other tested levels of black paper in diets. It seemed to save about 28% of feed cost consumed to produce one kilogram fish gain (incidence cost). It was recommended to use black pepper seeds meal in fish feeds on the commercial scale at level of 0.5%.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.