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Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to compare the growth performance of two GIFT strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), GIFT-Th, imported from Thailand; GIFT-Tw, obtained from a local hatchery). In earthen ponds both the fishes were fed with 30% crude protein diet at an equal rate. Results showed that there was no significant difference in final total length (TL) and standard length (SL) of both strains (P>0.05). However, average monthly weight gain, final total wet weight (WW) and weight gain against increase in  TL were higher in GIFT-Th as compared to GIFT-Tw (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in FCR, SGR and K values measured for both fishes (P>0.05). The body composition analysis showed no significant difference in moisture (%), crude protein (%), crude fat (%) and ash (%) contents in both strains (P>0.05). These findings suggested that GIFT-Th may has better genetic factors for weight gain as compared to GIFT-Tw, and should be preferred for farming, however an economic analysis determining benefit to cost ratio is pre-requisite before final recommendations.
Keywords: Aquaculture; Condition factor; Feed conservation ratio; Nile tilapia; Specific growth rate
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700133