Performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Diets Containing Blood Meal as a Replacement of Fish Meal

Abstract

A 100 days experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding blood meal (BM) as a replacement of fish meal (FM), as the main source of animal protein, on growth rate and economic performance of Nile tilapia in fertilized pond. Three isonitrogenous diets (35% crude protein) were formulated using either FM as the main source of animal protein (Diet 1); 50% replacement of FM with blood meal (Diet 2); or 100% replacement of FM with BM (Diet 3). Three hundred Nile tilapia fingerlings (12±3 g) were randomly distributed into three groups of four replicates of 25 fingerlings per cage. The groups were randomly assigned the 3 diets which were fed at 2% of their biomass at 10 am and 4 pm every day. Percentage daily weight gain (DWG), relative growth rate (RGR), specific growth rate (SGR), survival rate and feed utilisation efficiency were measured. Fish fed diet 1 were larger (50.69 g) (P < 0.05) than those fed diet 2 (48.47 g) and 3 (40.37 g). Replacement of FM with 50% and 100% BM reduced the incidence cost (45.55, 37.83 and 31.88, respectively). The profit index was highest with 100% (9.42) replacement of FM, compared to 50% (7.95) and 0% (6.69). Although replacing FM with BM was associated with reduced growth, the economic return was better (P < 0.05). Based on the present results, it was economical to use BM as a major protein source instead of FM in formulating fish feed.

Alternative protein source: Acceptability of cow blood meal in place of fish meal assessed via growth, antioxidant enzymes functions and haematological response inClarias gariepinus(Burchell, 1822)

“…Food intake per fish was calculated at each sampling time, using the average body weight (ABW), the total no of fish ( N ) in a tank and the amount of feed consumed per day (AFd −1 ): Feed intake = ABW × N × AFd −1 (Adene, 2020). The RGR (Kirimi et al, 2016; Lugert et al, 2014) and SGR, FCR and PER (Li et al, 2009; Ogunji et al, 2020) were calculated as follows: RGR (final fish weight − initial fish weight/time, multiplied by 100 and expressed in %), SGR = (ln W f − ln W i / T ) × 100 (where T = no. of days the experiment lasted); FCR = feed intake (g)/fish weight gain (g); PER = weight gain/protein intake.…”

“…Increase in dietary CBM from CBM2 (25%) to CBM4 (33%) resulted to a significant decrease in the growth of fish, thus could be attributed to high dietary inclusion of CBM which probably led to underutilization of diets. Kirimi et al (2016) reported a decreased growth performance with increased levels of blood meal in their experimental diets. Glencross et al (2007) remarked that the growth and feed utilization of fish fed plant and animal alternative protein sources are usually affected by palatability, digestibility and amino acid balance of FM feedstuff substitutes.…”

The utilisation of European processed animal proteins as safe, sustainable and circular ingredients for global aquafeeds

“…In comparison with other plant‐derived by‐products, blood meal offered more scope for inclusion and was better accepted by rohu under the prevailing experimental conditions. Kirimi et al 133 conducted a study where Nile tilapia ( O . niloticus ) were fed on diets containing 12.5% and 25% blood meal, respectively.…”

Protein Quality of Rations for Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Containing Oilseed Meals

“…High levels of essential amino acids in fish meal as in the present study make it more desirable in fish feed. However, the high costs and scarcity in Kenya is the major limitation to its use (Kirimi, Musalia, Magana, & Munguti, 2016b).…”