Effect of stocking density and rearing facility on growth and profitability of Tilapia rendalli fry.

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the growth potential ofTilapia rendalli at three different stocking densities, usingdifferent rearing facilities.T. rendallifry of 0.9±0.1g average weight were stocked in tanks and hapa-in-ponds at the stocking densityof 30, 60 and 90 fry/m3. Locally made feed (CP-18%) was administered at 5% body weight three times a day for three months.Monthly sampling was conducted to assess growth by measuring weight and length for specific growth rate (SGR), average dailygain (ADG), weight gain (WG), and biomass (BM). The results of the study showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) growth rate inlow stocking density (30 fry/m3) as compared to 60 and 90 fry/m3. There was a highly significant (P < 0.05) growth rate from hapasmounted in pond rearing facility as compared to tanks. There was no significant difference in profitability between the two rearingfacilities (P > 0.05) as well as within the stocking densities (P> 0.05). The results of this study have a significant contributiontowards stocking densities as well as rearing facilities used by hatchery operators. It is recommended that hapas mounted in pond fryrearing forT. rendalli fingerling production is most ideal. The results of the present study suggested that production of good qualityfingerlings at stocking densities of 30 fry/m3must be adopted in the culture ofT. rendallias fish grows faster than the other stocking densities of 60 and 90 fry/m3as demonstrated in this study.