The Effect of Using Moringa (Moringa oleifera lam.) Leaves as Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Immune Response of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Fingerlings

Abstract

Sinai. This study was done to investigate the effects of adding different concentrations of Moringa on feed utilization, productive performance and immune response of red tilapia. Moringa leaves additives were fed at three levels (0.5 %, 1% and 1.5% respectively). Eighty fish were divided in 8 aquaria for all experiments at ten fingerlings each aquarium with an average initial weight 6.1 ± 0.2 g and an average initial length 6.4± 0.5 cm. This study was carried out as four treatments with two replicates. The first group was used as control. Fish were fed diets containing 30 % crude protein twice a day at a rate of 3% / day of the fish total biomass. This experiment lasted for 14 weeks. Body weight, length and chemical analysis of whole body of red Tilapia were measured to determine growth performance, feed utilization and blood parameters at the end of experiment. The results of growth parameters indicated that T4 (1.5% Moringa) recorded high values of most growth parameters and feed utilization compared to control group. T1 (control) recorded the highest condition factor. Values of composition of blood protein and lysozyme activity were different significantly when compared with control group. In conclusion, Moringa could be added to red Tilapia fingerlings diets to improve growth rates, feed utilization and immune response.