The evolution of prawn grow-out systems and their management in Taiwan

Abstract

Three different feed(tilapia pellets, 24% protein; eel feed, 44% protein and trash fish flesh, 22% protein) were fed to Taiwanese red tilapia broodstlock (Oreochromis mossambicus/O. niliticus hybrids) to investigate nutritional effects on seed production. The broodstock used were 2-3years of age and were stocked in duplicate concrete ponds (3.4m^2) each with 10 females and 2 males. The critical weight ranges were 159-445g for females and 295-448g for males.Eggs, yolk sac fry and fry were collected every 8-9days 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). There results are discussed in relation to feed compostion, 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.