Effect Of Feeding Frequency On Consumption, Growth, And Efficiency In Juvenile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus)

Abstract

Triplicate groups of juvenile Oreochromis niloticus (34.4 g) were fed a commercial diet once, twice, three, or five times a day for 29 days. Consumption, growth, and feed utilization were eval- uated. No significant differences in growth, feed efficiency, or protein utilization were detected among the fish fed two, three, or five times daily, but all were significantly better than in fish fed only once. Fish fed three meals had significantly higher gross energy and lipid and lower crude protein contents than fish in the other treatments (p<0.05). Energy retention in fish fed three times daily (84.7%) was significantly higher than in fish fed five times (49.4%). Feeding juvenile tilapia nutrient dense pelleted feeds obviates the need for frequent feedings.