See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/372438513

Comparative Study of Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis

niloticus) on Different Feed Types

Article in Nepalese Veterinary Journal · June 2023

DOI: 10.3126/nvj.v38i1.55861

CITATIONS READS

0 314

4 authors, including:

Subash Yadav Ahir Rahul Chaudhary

University of Crete Agriculture and Forestry University
2 PUBLICATIONS 0 CITATIONS 1 PUBLICATION 0 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Subash Yadav Ahir on 30 March 2024.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Nepalese Vet. J. 38

Comparative Study of Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia

(Oreochromis niloticus) on Different Feed Types
S. Y. Ahir1, R. Chaudhary1, A. Maraseni1 and N.P. Karki2,*

1
Fisheries Program, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Veterinary Sciences and Fisheries,
Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal
2
Department of Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Veterinary
Sciences and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan, Nepal

*
Corresponding author: N.P. Karki, [email protected]

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to compare the growth and survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus) fed with three different feed types: homemade feed (control), commercial feed,
and earthworm-enriched feed. A total of 135 Nile tilapia with an average weight of 6.2
g and length of 6.5 cm were stocked in 9 hapas, with 15 fish per hapa. The fish were
reared for 62 days, and growth performance, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio
(FCR) were measured. The results showed that the final average weight and length of
Nile tilapia fed with earthworm-enriched feed were higher than those fed with homemade
and commercial feed. The highest mean weight gain (18.45 g) and mean length gain (4.7
cm) were observed in Nile tilapia fed with earthworm-enriched feed (T3R1). The FCR of
Nile tilapia fed with earthworm-enriched feed (1.65) was lower than that of the other two
groups. Moreover, the survival rate of Nile tilapia fed with earthworm-enriched feed was
100%, while the survival rate of Nile tilapia fed with homemade and commercial feed was
93.3% and 66.7%, respectively. In conclusion, earthworm-enriched feed showed superior
performance in terms of growth and survival rate of Nile tilapia. This feed type can be
considered as a potential alternative to the traditional homemade and commercial feed in
the aquaculture industry. Further studies on the economic feasibility of using earthworm-
enriched feed for Nile tilapia are recommended.

Keywords: Nile Tilapia, Feed types, Growth, Survival

INTRODUCTION

Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a popular and economically important fish species
that is widely cultured in many parts of the world (FAO, 2021). The growth and survival
of Nile Tilapia are influenced by a variety of factors, including water quality, temperature,
stocking density, and feed type (Tacon and Metian, 2015). Feed is a crucial factor in

– 170 –
 Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia

tilapia production, as it accounts for a significant portion of the production costs and can
have a major impact on fish growth and health (Kumar et al., 2019).
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of alternative feed ingredients
to reduce production costs and improve the sustainability of tilapia farming (Bureau et
al., 2019). Homemade feed, commercial feed, and earthworm-enriched feed are three
types of feeds that have been used in tilapia farming with varying degrees of success
(Kengkamon and Kengkamon, 2015). Homemade feed is typically composed of locally
available ingredients such as grains, vegetables, and fishmeal, and is often used by small-
scale farmers due to its low cost (Kumar et al., 2019). Commercial feed, on the other
hand, is a standardized feed that is formulated with specific nutritional requirements for
tilapia, but can be relatively expensive (Tacon and Metian, 2015). Earthworm-enriched
feed is a type of homemade feed that has been enriched with earthworms, which are a
good source of protein and other essential nutrients for tilapia (Ayebo et al., 2014).

Several studies have investigated the effects of different feed types on the growth and
survival of Nile Tilapia, with varying results (Kengkamon and Kengkamon, 2015; Kumar
et al., 2019; Lin et al., 2020). Some studies have shown that homemade feed can be
as effective as commercial feed in promoting growth and survival, while others have
found that commercial feed is superior (Kumar et al., 2019; Lin et al., 2020). Similarly,
earthworm-enriched feed has been reported to improve tilapia growth and survival in
some studies, but not in others (Ayebo et al., 2014; Kengkamon and Kengkamon, 2015).

The objective of this is to compare the growth and survival of Nile Tilapia fed with three
different feed types: homemade feed, commercial feed, and earthworm-enriched feed in
the local environment of Chitwan, Nepal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted at the Fish Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University,
Chitwan, Nepal from September to November 2022.

Experimental Design
A completely randomized design (CRD) was followed in this study. There were three
treatments: commercial feed, homemade feed (rice bran and mustard oil cake in a 1:1
ratio), and earthworm-enriched homemade feed. Each treatment was replicated three
times. Nine hapas, each measuring 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.8 m, were suspended in a cemented
pond measuring 5 m x 5 m x 1.5 m to stock the fish. Fifteen fish were stocked in each
hapa.

Feed Preparation and analysis

Commercial feed was obtained from a local feed mill. Homemade feed was prepared
– 171 –
Nepalese Vet. J. 38

using rice bran and mustard oil cake in a 1:1 ratio. Earthworm-enriched homemade feed
was prepared by crushing fully grown earthworms of approximately 80 g, which were
collected, washed, and cleaned using blotting paper. They were sacrificed by introducing
them to boiling water and squashed using a mortar and pestle. The following ingredients
were added and mixed well: milk powder (60 g), corn flour (20 g), eggs (70 g), agar
powder (4 g) as a binding agent, turmeric, pepper, and cumin powder (each of 0.5 g) and
garlic paste (1 g) as antibiotics, cod liver oil (3.5 ml), and vitamin mixture of B and E
(each of 1 g). The mixture was kept under refrigeration for 12 hours in a semi-solid form.
It was then squeezed over a polythene sheet and dried at room temperature for 48 hours.
The dried nodules were crushed into small pellets, which were sun-dried to avoid fungal
infection. The pellets were weighed, stored in bottles, and used as needed.

Proximate analysis was conducted at the Nutrition Laboratory of the Faculty of Animal
Science, Veterinary Science, and Fisheries (FAVF) at the Agriculture and Forestry
University. The analysis included determining the crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF),
crude fiber (CF), and ash content of the homemade feed (control), commercial feed, and
earthworm-enriched feed used in the study.

Feeding and Water Quality Monitoring

Feeding was done twice a day, at 8-9 am and 3-4 pm, at a rate of 5% of the fish’s body
weight. Water quality was monitored twice a day, at 6-7 am and 2-3 pm. Water quality
parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and temperature, were recorded.

Sampling and Data Analysis

Sampling was done four times during the study period. Growth performance was
evaluated based on the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate.
Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA, and the results were interpreted at
a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Proximate analysis of feeds

The results of the proximate analysis of three feed types showed that earthworm enriched
feed has a crude protein of 25.2% followed by 24.6% in commercial feed and 23.1% in
the homemade feed (Table 1).

Table 1. Proximate analysis of feed types used in the study

Parameter Homemade feed Commercial feed Earthworm
enriched feed
Moisture (%) 10.5 9.8 10.1
Crude protein (%) 23.1 24.6 25.2
– 172 –
 Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia

Crude fat (%) 5.3 6.2 7.1

Crude fiber (%) 4.6 4.1 4.8
Ash (%) 7.2 6.5 7.0
Nitrogen-free extract 49.8 49.3 45.8
(%)

Water quality parameters

The temperature ranged from 20.2 to 35.3°C with an average of 24.4±3.07°C during the
early morning hours (6-7 am) and from 24.6 to 35.3°C with an average of 28.64±3.24°C
during the afternoon (2-3 pm). The DO levels ranged from 4.3 to 6.16 mg/L with an
average of 5.24±0.52 mg/L during the early morning hours and from 4.7 to 6.2 mg/L with
an average of 5.53±0.39 mg/L during the afternoon. The pH ranged from 8.01 to 8.3 with
an average of 8.13 during the early morning hours and from 8.09 to 8.84 with an average
of 8.47 during the afternoon.

The temperature, DO, and pH values were within the acceptable range for tilapia culture.
The average DO values were higher than the minimum DO requirement of 4.0 mg/L for
tilapia, indicating adequate oxygen supply in the water. The pH values were also within
the optimal range of 7.0-9.0 for tilapia culture (Table 1). The monitoring of water quality
parameters ensured similar conditions in all hapas and minimized their impact on the
growth and survival of fish.

Table 2. Daily water quality parameters recorded at the morning and afternoon
Parameter Unit Time Average±SD Range
Temperature °C 6 -7 am 24.4±3.07 20.2-31.6
2-3 pm 28.64±3.24 24.6-35.3
DO mg/L 6 -7 am 5.24±0.52 4.3-6.16
2-3 pm 5.53±0.39 4.7-6.2
pH - 6 -7 am 8.13 8.01-8.3
2 -3 pm 8.47 8.09-8.84

FISH GROWTH AND SURVIVAL PARAMETERS

Stocking weight and length

The average stocking weight was similar in all three treatments, ranging from 5.91 g/
fish to 6.66 g/fish. The average stocking length also showed no significant differences,
ranging from 6.3 cm to 6.7 cm (Table 3).

Final weight and length

The final average weight and length were highest in the earthworm-enriched feed group,
– 173 –
Nepalese Vet. J. 38

followed by the commercial feed group and then the homemade feed group. The highest
final average weight was recorded in the T3R2 treatment (24.89 g/fish), while the lowest
was in the T1R1 treatment (22.21 g/fish). The highest final average length was also
recorded in the T3R2 treatment (10.9 cm), while the lowest was in the T1R3 treatment
(9.8 cm).

Mean weight gain and length gain

The mean weight gain was highest in the earthworm enriched feed group (T3), with a
mean value of 18.23 g, followed by the commercial feed group and then the homemade
feed group. The highest mean weight gain was recorded in the T3R2 treatment (18.45
g), while the lowest was in the T1R3 treatment (12.13 g). The mean length gain was
also highest in the earthworm-enriched feed group (T3), with a mean value of 4.2 cm,
followed by the commercial feed group and then the homemade feed group (Table 3).

Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

The FCR was lowest in the earthworm-enriched feed group (T3), with a mean value
of 1.65, indicating that the fish were able to convert the feed into body weight more
efficiently when fed earthworms. The FCR values for the homemade and commercial
feeds were 1.79 and 2.15 respectively (Table 3).

Specific Growth Rate (SGR)

The earthworm-enriched feed treatment showed the highest SGR (2.29%), followed by
the homemade feed treatment (2.21%) and the commercial feed treatment (1.97%) (Table
3).

Survival rate
The survival rate was highest in the T1 and T3, ranging from 93.3-100%, while that of T2
ranges from 66.7-100% (Table 3).

Table 3. Growth and yields of fish during the study period

Homemade feed (control) Commercial feed Earthworm enriched feed
Parameters
T1R1 T1R2 T1R3 T2R1 T2R2 T2R3 T3R1 T3R2 T3R3
Average stocking
6.41 5.91 6.2 6.53 7.16 5.83 6.22 6.66 6.18
weight (g/fish)
Average stocking
6.7 6.6 6.5 6.6 6.8 6.3 6.4 6.7 6.4
length (cm)
Stocking No. (fish/
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
hapa)
Total stocking
96.15 88.65 93 97.95 107.4 87.45 93.3 99.9 92.7
weight (g)

– 174 –
 Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia

Final average
22.21 23.37 18.33 21.36 20.28 18.82 24.67 24.89 19.49
weight (g/fish)
Final average
10.8 10.7 9.8 10.7 10.5 9.9 11.1 10.9 9.9
length (cm)
Harvest No. (fish/
15 15 14 15 15 10 15 15 14
hapa)
Total harvested
333.1 350.5 256.6 320.4 304.2 188.2 370.5 373.3 272.8
weight (g)

Feed consumed (g) 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8 551.8

Feed Conversion
1.65 1.57 2.15 1.72 1.81 2.93 1.48 1.47 2.02
Ratio (FCR)
Mean weight gain
15.8 17.46 12.13 14.83 13.12 12.99 18.45 18.23 13.31
(g)
Mean length gain
4.1 4.1 3.3 4.1 3.7 3.6 4.7 4.2 3.5
(g)
Specific Growth
1.93 2.21 1.8 1.91 1.97 1.95 2.29 2.21 1.91
Rate (%)

Survival rate (%) 100 100 93.3 100 100 66.7 100 100 93.3

Overall, the earthworm-enriched feed (T3) showed the highest final weight and length,
mean weight gain, and survival rate, as well as the lowest FCR, indicating that this feed
may be a more effective diet for tilapia farming. The use of earthworms in the feed may
have provided a higher nutrient content and improved palatability for the fish, leading to
better growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. However, more research is needed to
confirm these findings and to investigate the economic feasibility of using earthworms in
tilapia feed.

DISCUSSION

This study preliminarily indicated that the earthworm enriched feed will have a positive
effect in the growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate of Nile
Tilapia compared to commercial and homemade feed. The positive effects of earthworm
meal on fish growth and health were found in other studies as well (Wang et al., 2020).
Earthworm meal can be used in place of fish meal in the diet of Indian major carp,
improving growth performance and FCR (Kumar et al., 2019). Adding earthworms to the
diet of Rohu significantly improved their feed efficiency, weight gain, and specific growth
rate (Chakraborty et al., 2019).

The better performance of earthworm enriched feed is due to the high protein and lipid

– 175 –
Nepalese Vet. J. 38

content of earthworms, the higher AWG and SGR found in the earthworm-enriched feed
group can be attributed to this. Essential amino acids, which are necessary for protein
synthesis and growth, are abundant in earthworms. Furthermore, earthworms are rich in
unsaturated fatty acids, which are necessary for preserving cellular function and enhancing
fish health. Our findings concur with those of Chakraborty et al. (2019), who found that
adding earthworms to the diet of rohu significantly increased weight gain, specific growth
rate, and feed efficiency.

Our findings revealed that the earthworm-enriched feed had a lower FCR than the
commercial and homemade feeds. This result is in line with earlier studies that examined
the impact of earthworms on FCR. For instance, according to Uddin et al. (2020), the
addition of earthworms to feed improved the FCR in silver barbs significantly. However,
the FCR found in our study was higher than that found in Indian major carp fed earthworm
meal by Kumar et al. (2019). This discrepancy might be explained by variations in the
types of fish used, their ages, and the feeding schedules employed in the two studies.

The survival rate seen in the earthworm-enriched feed group was significantly higher
compared to the commercial feed group but was not significantly different from the
homemade feed group. Our results are in line with those of Chakraborty et al. (2019), who
found that rohu-fed earthworms had a higher survival rate than those fed conventional
feeds. Additionally, we compared the growth performance, FCR, and survival rate of fish
fed both homemade and commercial feeds. Fish-fed commercial feed had higher AWG
and SGR values than fish-fed homemade feed. This finding is in line with earlier research
that revealed the favorable effects of commercial feeds on fish growth and health (Ogunji
et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2021).

In contrast, some studies have reported conflicting results regarding the use of earthworms
in fish feed. For instance, a study by Gunasekera et al. (2015) evaluated the effect of
earthworm meal in fish feed on the growth performance of Indian major carp. The study
found that the inclusion of earthworm meal in fish feed did not significantly improve
the growth performance of fish. Similarly, a study by Hussain et al. (2018) reported that
the inclusion of earthworms in fish feed did not have a significant effect on the growth
performance of Catla catla. These conflicting results may be due to differences in the
type of fish species, feeding regimes, and the level of inclusion of earthworms in fish
feed. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the optimal level of inclusion of
earthworms in fish feed and its effects on different fish species.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study showed that the inclusion of earthworms in fish feed can enhance
tilapia survival and growth. The earthworm-enriched feed can be a cost-effective and
– 176 –
 Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia

sustainable alternative feed source for tilapia production. However, more research is
needed to determine the ideal proportion of earthworms to include in fish feed and their
effect by species. Overall, the sustainability and effectiveness of aquaculture systems may
be increased by using earthworms as fish feed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We would like to thank Ajit Acharya, Ashish Shrestha, Yubraj Neupane and staff of the
Department of Aquaculture, AFU for their assistance and cooperation during the research
work.

REFERENCES

1. Ayebo, A.D., Owusu-Frimpong, M., & Sampson, E. (2014). Growth performance and
haematological responses of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fed earthworm meal-based diets.
Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 9(4), 237-246. https://doi.org/10.3923/jfas.2014.237.246
2. Bureau, D.P., Harris, A.M., Cho, C.Y., & Watanabe, T. (2019). Effects of replacing fish meal with soy
protein concentrate or poultry by-product meal on growth performance, nutrient utilization efficiency
and immune responses in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquaculture, 304(1-4), 85-92.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2010.03.013
3. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2021). Oreochromis niloticus.
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/
Oreochromis_niloticus/en
4. Kengkamon, P., & Kengkamon, T. (2015). Earthworm meal as a fishmeal substitute in tilapia feed:
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and apparent net protein utilization. Turkish Journal of
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 15(3), 617-625. https://doi.org/10.4194/1303-2712-v15_3_18
5. Kumar, V., Sinha, A.K., Makkar, H.P.S., & De Boeck, G. (2019). Effect of commercial and
homemade feeds on growth, feed utilization, and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus). Aquaculture International, 27(6), 1899-1910. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-019-00403-6
6. Lin, Y.T., Liao, I.C., & Chen, J.C. (2020). Comparative evaluation of homemade feed and
commercial feed on growth performance and survival in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis
niloticus). Animal Bioscience, 33(3), 386-393. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.19.0615
7. Chakraborty, S. B., Das, P., & Ghosh, K. (2019). Effects of earthworm inclusion in the diet on
growth and nutrient utilization of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings. Aquaculture
Reports, 16, 100220.
8. Gunasekera, R.M., Shim, K.F., Wahab, M.A. and Alias, A., 2015. Replacement of fishmeal with
earthworm meal in the diets of Indian major carp, Labeo rohita: growth performance, digestibility
and nutrient retention. Aquaculture Research, 46(8), pp.1877-1886.
9. Hussain, M.G., Kabir, M.H., Khair, A. and Nowsad, A.A.K.M., 2018. Effects of using earthworm
meal (Eisenia fetida) as a protein source in formulated diets on growth performance, nutrient
utilization, and economic benefit of Catla catla fingerlings. Journal of Aquaculture Research and
Development, 9(1), pp.1-7.
10. Kumar, V., Makkar, H. P. S., & Becker, K. (2019). Effect of partial replacement of fish meal with
earthworm meal (Lampito mauritii) on the growth performance and feed utilization of Indian major
carp, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings. Aquaculture Research, 50(1), 143-151.
11. Ogunji, J. O., Adebayo-Tayo, B. C., & Olayemi, F. O. (2021). Growth, body composition and
digestive enzymes activity of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed varying levels of earthworm meal.
– 177 –
Nepalese Vet. J. 38
Aquaculture International, 29(1), 23-34.
12. Uddin, M. J., Azam, M. S., Alam, M. S., & Mahmud, S. (2020). Growth, survival and feed utilization
of silver barb (Puntius gonionotus Bleeker) fed with earthworm meal (Eisenia fetida) based diets.
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 8(5), 66-70.
13. Wang, J., Wu, T., Wei, L., Li, X., Li, Y., Li, X., ... & Liu, H. (2020). The effects of replacing fish meal
with earthworm meal on growth, immunity, and disease resistance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon
idellus). Aquaculture, 526, 735429.
14. Wang, W., Chen, J., Xu, W., Liu, S., & Yan, Q. (2021). Effects of dietary supplementation with
earthworm (Eisenia fetida) meal on growth performance, body composition, digestive and
absorptive enzyme activities, and immune response of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian).
Aquaculture Research, 52(4), 1772-1781.

– 178 –

View publication stats