Effects of feeding rates on behavior and growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Egypt

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of different feeding rates on behavior and growth performance of Nile tilapia. Fish were classified into three groups (n=10/group, 2 replicates). 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups received 3.4%, 3.6% and 3.8% feeding rates, respectively. Behavior of fish, body weight, body dimensions and water quality were recorded. Weight gain, relative growth rate and feed conversion ratio were calculated. The results revealed that feeding, foraging and resting behaviors were significantly higher in fish fed 3.8% than in 3.4% and 3.6% groups. However, chasing and mouth pushing activities decreased in 3.8% group in comparison with 3.4% and 3.6% groups. Body weight of fish fed 3.8% and 3.6% feeding rates were significantly higher than 3.4%. Weight gain and relative growth rate were significantly increased by increasing feeding rates. It was concluded that feeding Tilapia on 3.8% gave the highest growth performance and enhanced the fish behavior with no effects on water quality.

Keywords