Abstract

RINCON, David D et al. Substitution levels of fish meal by Arthrospira (=Spirulina) maxima meal in experimental diets for red tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis sp.). Rev Colom Cienc Pecua [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.3, pp.430-437. ISSN 0120-0690.

The high international demand and cost of protein ingredients have led to the increasing need to meet nutritional requirements of animals with national resources. Objective: the objective of th is study was to evaluate three levels of substitution (10, 20, and 30%) of fish meal with Spirulina maxima meal as a protein source in experimental diets for red tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis sp.). Methods: masculinized fry (average weight: 2.5 ± 0.10 g) were randomly distributed in aerated aquaria with daily water exchange. Four diets were formulated replacing increasing levels of fish meal with Spirulina maxima meal, as follows: 10 (A), 20 (B), 30 (C) and 0% (D, control diet). A commercial diet (E) was also used. All diets were isoproteic (28%) and isocaloric (400 kcal/100 g). Fish were fed two daily rations during 90 days. Weight gain (GP), feed efficiency (EA), protein-efficiency ratio (REP), and feed conversion (FCA) were measured every two weeks. Results were assesses by ANOVA at the end of the test. Results: no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed for GP, EA and REP, indicating a similar efficiency in all diets (A, B, C, D, and E). Treatment C had the best FCA (p<0.05). Conclusions: fish meal can be substituted with up to 30% Spirulina maxima meal in the preparation of diets for red tilapia fry.

Keywords : feed conversion; protein ingredients; weight gain.

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