The effect of various feeds on seed production by Taiwanese red tilapia. In：R.S.V. Pullin, T. Bhukaswan, K. Tonguthai and J.L. Maclean (eds.)

Abstract

Three different feeds (tilapia pellets, 24% protein; eel feed, 44% protein and trash fish, flesh, 22% protein) were fed to Taiwanese red tilapia broodstock (Oreochromis mossambicus hybrids) to investigate nutritional effects on seed production. The broodstock used were 2-3 years of age and were stocked in duplicate concrete ponds (3.4 square meter) each with 10 females and 2 males. The critical weight ranges were 159-445 g for females and 295-448 g for males. Egg, yolk sac fry and fry were collected every 8-9 days for 32 days. Eel feed gave highest the total number of seed harvested (18,349) compared to tilapia pellets (9,137) and trash fish (9,707). These results are discussed in relation to feed composition, female weight and pond area. The conclusion is that feeding broodstock a high protein diet pays dividends in high seed production and broodstock growth. The results are compared with those of similar studies on O. niloticus.