Objectives:

To consider the use of common forage plants of tropical zones in the diets of fish as one of the viable alternatives for the reduction of food costs in food security programs.

Methodology:

The successful experiences obtained for 20 years in the fish farm at Universidad de Caldas using mulberry (Morus alba) as a forage plant and provided to the Nilotic tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the raising and fattening phase were gathered.

Results:

Growth between 0.6 to 1.2 g /fish/day in ponds has been obtained with fresh mulberry supply and a conversion of 1.9 and mulberry leaf meal included in balanced feed, resulted in average growth of 1.6 g /fish/day.

Conclusions:

It is suggested to supply the mulberry leaves to the fish in a fresh way or to include the dry mulberry leaf meal in the balanced feed, achieving a 4% replacement of the soybean cake for peasants’ fish farms or small producers.

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