Author/Authors :
OGUNJI, J.O. Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany , KLOAS, W. Ebonyi State University - Department of Animal Production and Fisheries Management, Nigeria , KLOAS, W. Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany , WIRTH, M. Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany , WIRTH, M. Humboldt University - Institute of Biology - Department of Endocrinology, Germany , SCHULZ, C. Humboldt University - Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Germany , RENNERT, B. Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Germany
Abstract :
A 56 day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) as a protein source for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Seven isoenergetic diets formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ•g^-1 gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (average initial weight 2.0±0.1g) stocked in each experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% of their body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (P 0.5) between feeding groups. Result of nutrient composition analysis showed that magmeal contains a good profile of amino acid compared to fish meal, but has a high content of crude fat (19.8%) which influenced the fat content and fatty acid composition of diets and fish. Feeding Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings with feeds containing magmeal can give growth, equivalent to that obtained with fishmeal as the main protein source. However, it is recommended that adequate sources of n – 6 and n – 3 fatty acids are included in diets of magmeal to enhance the optimal fatty acid profile necessary for metabolic functions.
