Evaluation of organic tilapia culture in periphyton-based ponds

dc.contributor.authorMilstein, Ana
dc.contributor.authorJoseph, Dan
dc.contributor.authorPeretz, Yaacob
dc.contributor.authorHarpaz, Sheenan
dc.date.accessioned2012-01-19T20:15:05Z
dc.date.available2012-01-19T20:15:05Z
dc.date.issued2005
dc.description.abstractThe introduction of hard surfaces in the water column to induce the growth of biofilms and peri- phyton on these surfaces is a method used to increase natural productivity of the water body and food for cultured aquatic organisms. In periphyton-based systems in Africa and Asia, substrate introduction and consequent periphyton development positively affected water quality and pro- duction of the target species. In Israel, this technology is being evaluated in the culture of organ- ically produced tilapia. Among other restrictions imposed by organic standards, fish stocking densities must be low and only organic feeds and manures must be supplied. Organic pelleted feeds cost twice as much as regular aquaculture feeds. Since feed constitutes the major pro- duction expense, economic viability is hampered by using costly organic feeds. An experiment was performed at the Dor Aquaculture Station to explore methods of improving natural food pro- duction for tilapia and reducing added feeds. Submerged plastic surfaces equivalent to 40% of the pond surface area were immersed in polyculture ponds containing 85% hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus), together with a reduction of 40% of the amount of pelleted feed. The treatment improved nitrification and saved 40% of the feed costs, with only a 10% reduction in the tilapia growth rate and yield. These results indicate that periphyton-based aqua- culture is an appropriate technology for reducing production costs and allowing economically viable organic tilapia production.
dc.format.extent13 pages
dc.identifier.citationMilstein, A., Joseph, D., Peretz, Y., & Harpaz, S. (2005). Evaluation of organic tilapia culture in periphyton-based ponds. The Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh, 57(3), 143-155.
dc.identifier.issn0792-156X
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10524/19140
dc.publisherIsraeli Journal of Aquaculture - BAMIGDEH
dc.relation.ispartofseriesThe Israeli Journal of Aquaculture - Bamidgeh
dc.subjectnatural feeds, organic tilapia culture, periphyton
dc.subject.lcshFish culture--Israel--Periodicals.
dc.subject.lcshFish culture--Periodicals.
dc.subject.lcshAquaculture--Israel--Periodicals.
dc.subject.lcshAquaculture--Periodicals.
dc.titleEvaluation of organic tilapia culture in periphyton-based ponds

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