Effect of different photoperiod cycles on metabolic rate and energy loss of fed and unfed adult tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: Part II

ABSTRACT: To study the influence of different photoperiod cycles on the metabolic rate and energy loss of fed and unfed adult tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (bodyweight 102–107 g) at 28°C, four photoperiod cycles (i.e. 3L : 3D, 6L : 6D, 12L : 12D, and 24L : 24D) were applied. A computer-operated respirometer with a closed tank was used so as to prevent water from condensing from the air or evaporating into the air. A photoperiod-mediated metabolic cycle was demonstrated during the routine state in which the metabolic rate was higher during the light phase compared with during the dark phase for all photoperiods. The combined effects of photoperiod and feeding episodes acted as a strong Zeitgeber (cue or synchronizer) for synchronizing the daily rhythm in fed fish. Fish exposed to short photoperiod cycles showed a higher metabolic rate and energy loss compared with those exposed to longer photoperiod cycles. Mean oxygen consumption in the fed and unfed fish were 295.7 mg/kg per h and 149.8 mg/kg per h, respectively, during the 3L : 3D period; 286.5 mg/kg per h and 143.3 mg/kg per h during the 6L : 6D period; 262.2 mg/kg per h and 130.3 mg/kg per h during the 12L : 12D period; and 238.3 mg/kg per h and 120.4 mg/kg per h during the 24L : 24D period. The highest post-prandial increase in energy loss was recorded during the 3L : 3D period (56.2 kJ/kg per day), followed by 55.1 kJ/kg per day during the 6L : 6D period, 50.7 kJ/kg per day during the 12L : 12D period, and 45.4 kJ/kg per day during the 24L : 24D period. The study's results demonstrated that the fish conserve energy when raised under longer photoperiod cycles.     

Increased spawning activity of female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (L.) after stocking density and photoperiod manipulation

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stocking density and photoperiod in increasing the reproductive performance of Oreochromis niloticus. In experiment 1, a change in stocking density (from 47.7 to 6.8 kg m^?3) was performed, with groups of 48 females moved to single compartments. In experiment 2, 36 females experienced a 6L:18D photoperiod for 21 or 28 days (stocking density: 31.3 kg m^?3) before being placed in individual compartments (stocking density of 6.9 kg m^?3, 12L:12D photoperiod). The spawning rates in experiment 1 (32.2%) and in experiment 2 (21 days: 65.2%, 28 days: 36.1%) were significantly higher than those in the control (17.7%). On the other hand, hatching and swim‐up fry rates were significantly lower in experiment 2 – 21 days (41.3%, 40.4%) but not in experiment 1 (64.0%, 56.3%) compared with the control (67.0%, 62.3%). The spawning rate in experiment 2 – 21‐day treatment group was the highest, while the number of eggs collected per female was significantly lower than that in the control. In experiments 1 (20.8%) and 2 (21 days: 44.4%, 28 days: 19.4%), the daily spawning rates were the highest 3 days after maintaining females in single compartments. The current experiment demonstrates how specific stocking density changes can be used to induce higher spawning rates in Nile tilapia.     

温度与盐度对吉富品系尼罗罗非鱼幼鱼能量代谢的联合效应

在实验室条件下采用中心复合设计和响应曲面法,以影响能量代谢的2个重要环境因子(温度和盐度)为自变量,以耗氧率、排氨率与CO2排泄率为响应值,研究并探讨了温度(13~36℃)与盐度(0~20)对吉富罗非鱼幼鱼能量代谢的联合影响。结果表明,温度与盐度的一次效应、盐度的二次效应及其互作效应对耗氧率、排氨率与CO2排泄率均有显著影响(P>0.05);温度的二次效应对耗氧率和CO2排泄率没有显著影响(P>0.05);所考察因子与耗氧率、排氨率与CO2排泄率间二次多项回归方程的决定系数分别达到0.958 1、0.977 8和0.979 5(P<0.01),可用于预测。温度效应较盐度明显,盐度较低时,能量消耗对温度变化较为敏感;在等渗点附近,耗氧率、排氨率和CO2排泄率较高;盐度超过等渗点时,低温和高盐环境对幼鱼的能量代谢有抑制作用。氧氮比(O∶N)随盐度变化而变化,温度对其没有显著影响(P>0.05)。当温度与盐度分别为13~36℃与0~10时,罗非鱼幼鱼主要依靠蛋白质和脂肪氧化供能;盐度为20时,脂肪成为主要供能物质;本实验条件下呼吸商的均值为0.752。本研究有助于更好地解释温度与盐度对罗非鱼新陈代谢的影响,同时可以为研究环境因子对能量的时空分配模式的改变提供生物能量学依据。     

Flesh quality of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed solely on raw Spirulina

ABSTRACT:   In order to simplify the food chain in a closed ecological recirculating aquaculture system, raw Spirulina platensis cultivated in 50-L photobioreactors were fed to tilapia Oreochromis niloticus as a uni-feed from the onset of exogenous feeding. The feasibility of using tilapia grown on raw Spirulina (body weight: 155.4 ± 3.9 g, standard length: 16.2 ± 0.2 cm; n  = 3) was investigated for 30 weeks for sashimi (sliced raw meat). Some of the rheological properties of the flesh were measured to clarify the obtained results of sensory evaluations of texture and fatness. The elastic modulus of flesh of the Spirulina -fed fish was significantly higher than that of the control fish (body weight: 168.9 ± 5.8 g, standard length: 17.8 ± 0.5 cm; n  = 3) that were fed commercial diets. In addition, the viscosity of the flesh of the Spirulina -fed fish was significantly lower than that of the control fish. There was no significant difference in the rupture strength between the two treatments. The rheological parameters in the muscle were found to coincide with the results of the sensory assessment. These results suggest that tilapia fed solely on raw Spirulina have a high flesh quality that is suitable for sashimi. The muscle lipid of the raw Spirulina -fed fish had lower levels of non-polar lipids such as triglycerides and partial glycerides, but higher levels of polar lipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The fatty acid profile of the raw Spirulina -fed fish muscle, especially in the polar lipid fraction, was characterized by an abundance of Σn-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids (20:3n-6, 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6, 22:5n-6).     

高温诱导对尼罗罗非鱼性别分化及生长的影响

采用自雌鱼口腔中取出受精卵人工孵化的方法建立了尼罗罗非鱼家系20个。受精后9d,将各家系鱼苗分成两份,分别在28℃(对照组)和36℃(高温诱导组)下养殖,诱导处理12d后,统计高温诱导期成活率并将实验鱼转入自然水温下培育,养殖60～120d后对各实验组的雄性率及生长情况进行测定。结果表明,高温处理对仔鱼的成活率没有影响,但能显著提高某些家系的雄性率,如F27(诱导组88%,对照组49%)、F37(诱导组90%,对照组53%)和F41(诱导组91%,对照组53%);高温处理后多数家系的雄性率略有升高,但不显著;有两个家系高温诱导组雄性率低于对照组,分别是F8(诱导组43%,对照组46%)和F35(诱导组29%,对照组38%),这显示了尼罗罗非鱼性别分化受遗传和环境因子共同作用。生长情况测定结果表明,高温诱导对发育初期罗非鱼的生长没有显著影响。本研究结果说明,高温处理能显著提高某些家系的雄性率,高温诱导和家系选择有望成为高雄性率尼罗罗非鱼新品种培育的新的技术手段。     

Effect of phytic acid on growth and nitrogen retention in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of phytic acid on nitrogen retention in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The first experiment utilized graded levels of soybean meal (SBM) with or without hydrolysis of phytic acid. The second experiment utilized diets containing graded levels of purified phytic acid. In the first experiment, weight gain was inversely related to SBM inclusion beyond 250 g kg^?1 of the crude protein (CP). Broken‐line and quadratic models were applied to the growth data. The models suggest limiting inclusion to 380 and 170 g kg^?1 CP for untreated and phytase treated SBM, respectively. The two SBM treatments exhibited similar trends in efficiency parameters. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) within treatments appeared when phytase treated SBM surpassed 250 g kg^?1 CP, but not until 750 g kg^?1 CP with untreated SBM. At similar rates of SBM incorporation, apparent net protein utilizations with untreated SBM were significantly higher beyond 250 g kg^?1 CP (P < 0.05). In the second experiment, phytic acid did not affect efficiency parameters until the concentration was twice that in diets incorporating SBM as 1000 g kg^?1 CP in a 330 g kg^?1 CP diet. Phytic acid does not reduce nitrogen retention in tilapia, and its removal from SBM may decrease nitrogen retention.     

Growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed on two formulated diets and two locally available feeds in fertilized ponds

Lack of suitable diets for semi‐intensive production of Oreochromis niloticus in Kenya has necessitated use of expensive diets designed for intensive production. To address this problem, two isonitrogenous (24% protein) diets were formulated and evaluated for production of O. niloticus in fertilized ponds. One diet contained vitamins and minerals premix (CV) while the other had no premix (CW). Growth of fish fed on the formulated feeds was compared with groups of fish fed on commercial pig pellets (PP) and wheat bran (WB). There were significant differences in mean weights, growth rates and feed conversion ratios between the formulated and the other diets. No significant differences in these parameters were observed between CV and CW and also between PP and WB. Fish that fed on the formulated feeds produced significantly lower number of juveniles than those fed on PP and WB. Fish fed on WB gave the best economic returns while those on PP had the least returns. Present results suggest that vitamins and minerals premix may not be necessary in diets for semi‐intensive production of O. niloticus. Present results showed that the formulated feeds produced higher yields than PP and WB, but WB had the best economic returns among the test diets.     

猪油对罗非鱼生长及餐后脂质代谢的影响

在实用饲料配方的基础上分别添加0%、5%、10%猪油组成试验饲料饲喂罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)(初重43 g)8周,比较研究猪油不同添加水平对罗非鱼生长及餐后脂质代谢的影响。结果表明,罗非鱼的末重(FBW)、特定生长率(SGR)、增重率(WGR)和饲料效率(FE)随着饲料中猪油水平的增加而显著升高。而摄食量(FI)表现出相反的变化趋势,即高水平猪油组显著低于对照组。随猪油添加水平增加,罗非鱼肝胰脏超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)和谷草转氨酶(AST)活力显著降低,而肝脏丙二醛(MDA)含量显著增加。血清中甘油三酯(TG)、胆固醇(CHO)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和极低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(VLDL-C)含量均随饲料中猪油水平增加而显著升高。各试验组罗非鱼血清中CHO、TG、LDL-C和VLDL-C含量随时间推移均表现出先升高后降低的变化趋势,TG和VLDL-C的峰值出现在餐后6h,而CHO和LDL-C峰值在餐后9 h。但HDL-C表现出相反的变化趋势,即先降低后升高,在餐后6 h达到最低值。总之,饲料中添加不同水平猪油会促进罗非鱼生长,但会影响罗非鱼的肝功能以及餐后脂质代谢,罗非鱼抗氧化能力也相应受到影响。     

Ingestion and utilization of periphyton grown on artificial substrates by Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.

The study was carried out to quantify the periphyton biomass developed on glass substrates over time, to investigate the effects of periphyton quantity and fish size on the ingestion rate by fish, and to determine the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of periphyton by tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Periphyton was grown in two fertilised 1000‐l tanks on glass slides and monitored as dry matter (g), ash‐free dry matter (g) and chlorophyll a concentrations (mg) per unit surface area (m²) over a six week period. Ingestion rate was determined for two sizes of tilapia (7 and 24 g) which were provided with four different periphyton densities. Determination of FCR was made after feeding three individual fish ad libitum with periphyton for two weeks. Periphyton ash‐free dry matter increased sharply during the first half of the trial with a peak being recorded at week 3 (75.5 g m^?2). Productivity was 2.4 g ash‐free dry matter m^?2 d^?1 during the first three weeks. Mean chlorophyll a concentration showed a cyclic pattern throughout the study with the lowest value being measured during the last week. Ingestion rates were 0.90 and 0.18 mg dry matter g fish body weight^?1 h^?1 for small and medium fish respectively. Ingestion rate among small fish increased significantly (P < 0.05) with periphyton density, but not for medium size fish. Although periphyton ash content was high (55% dry matter), fish growth was sustained. Fish harvested 70% of total periphyton dry matter that was offered to them. The FCR for periphyton was 2.81 on a dry matter basis and 1.34 on an ash‐free dry matter basis.     

壳寡糖对吉富罗非鱼幼鱼生长性能、前肠组织结构及肠道主要菌群的影响

选用初始体质量(3.02±0.16) g的吉富罗非鱼幼鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)450尾,随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每重复30尾实验鱼,分别饲喂添加壳寡糖质量分数为0.00%(对照组)、0.10%、0.30%、0.50%和0.70%的饲料8周,考查壳寡糖对吉富罗非鱼幼鱼生长性能、前肠组织结构及肠道主要菌群的影响.结果表明,在生长性能方面,添加0.30%、0.50%和0.70%壳寡糖组增重率分别较对照组显著提高12.53%、16.17%和9.47%(P<0.05);添加壳寡糖各组较对照组饲料系数显著降低,饲料干物质和蛋白质的表观消化率均显著升高(P<0.05).在肠道组织结构方面,与对照组相比,添加0.30%和0.50%壳寡糖组的幼鱼前肠绒毛长度显著增加了18.02%和23.21%,宽度显著增加了45.21%和54.06%,密度显著增加了15.18%和19.37%(P<0.05);添加0.30%、0.50%和0.70%壳寡糖组的幼鱼肠壁厚度较对照组分别减少了16.41%、19.96%和15.00%(P<0.05).在肠道主要菌群方面,各壳寡糖添加组大肠杆菌数量均显著降低,乳酸杆菌数量显著增加(P<0.05).上述结果表明,吉富罗非鱼幼鱼饲料中添加壳寡糖可提高其生长性能,并改善肠道内环境,推荐适宜添加量为0.30%~0.50%.     

Growth and economic performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed on three brans (maize, wheat and rice) in fertilized ponds

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) was fed rice bran (RB), wheat bran (WB) and maize bran (MB) at 1.5% body weight. Fingerlings averaging 14 g were stocked at 19 462 fish ha^?1 in three treatments with six replicates per treatment. Clarias gariepinus was stocked at 250 fish ha^?1 to reduce the density of tilapia fry. Growth and economic performance were compared for 250 days in 0.08 ha fertilized ponds. Fish growth was highest (P < 0.05) in MB and least in RB treatment. Growth in WB treatment was intermediate. Feed conversion ratio in MB and WB treatments was similar (P > 0.05), but significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in RB treatment. Water quality parameters were similar (P > 0.05) among treatments. At retail price of US$ 1.28 kg^?1 fish, returns above both variable and total costs from MB and WB treatments were positive, while those from RB were negative. However, at US$ 1.79 kg^?1 fish, all test‐feeds had positive returns above variable and total costs. In conclusion, MB treatment produced the highest growth, but the highest profitability was obtained in the WB treatment. Under present study conditions, RB was not cost‐effective in the production of O. niloticus. A selling price of US$ 1.79 kg^?1 fish is recommended.     

不同盐度下尼罗罗非鱼、萨罗罗非鱼和以色列红罗非鱼幼鱼生长、成活率及肥满系数的差异

用1m×1m×1m的实验网箱,在盐度分别为0、10、20及30的水体中进行尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromisniloticus)、萨罗罗非鱼(Sarotherodonmelanotheron)和以色列红罗非鱼(Israeliredtilapia)幼鱼的养殖实验。结果表明:(1)盐度、鱼的种类及盐度-鱼类的交互作用都对3种罗非鱼的生长及体重变异系数有显著影响(P<0 05);3种罗非鱼的成活率和肥满系数只受鱼的种类影响(P<0 05);盐度、盐度-鱼类的交互作用对其都无显著影响。(2)生长和盐度之间的回归关系在尼罗罗非鱼和以色列红罗非鱼较显著,在萨罗罗非鱼显著性较差。(3)尼罗罗非鱼和以色列红罗非鱼的生长随着盐度的降低而加快,萨罗罗非鱼的生长随着盐度的降低而减慢。在3种鱼中,盐度在6 9以下时,尼罗罗非鱼生长最快;盐度7 4～28 7时,以色列红罗非鱼生长最快;盐度高于29 0时,萨罗罗非鱼生长最快。(4)在实验的4种盐度下,萨罗罗非鱼的成活率都高于以色列红罗非鱼和尼罗罗非鱼,而除了在淡水中外,以色列红罗非鱼的成活率又都高于尼罗罗非鱼;萨罗罗非鱼的肥满系数都显著高于尼罗罗非鱼和以色列红罗非鱼,而以色列红罗非鱼的肥满系数和尼罗罗非鱼的没有显著差异。     

Effect of potential probiotic bacteria on growth and survival of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L., cultured in the laboratory under high density and suboptimum temperature

This study examined the effect of potential probiotic bacteria on growth and survival of the tilapia Oreochromis niloticus , under high density and suboptimum temperature. Presumptive Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from tilapia and from their culture system and were characterized for haemolytic and enzymatic activity, and antagonism against Vibrio . Selected strains were included in the diet of juvenile tilapia and evaluated during a 134-day assay. The experiment was conducted with four treatments: (1) fish fed with commercial feed plus Dry Oil^®; (2) fish fed with commercial feed plus LAB; (3) fish with bacilli in water; (4) fish with a mixture of treatments 2 and 3. Tilapias in all treatments, including bacteria, grew significantly better than fish fed with commercial feed plus Dry Oil^® (control group). Survival was similar in all treatments. The physicochemical parameters of the culture system were maintained within the optimal ranges for the species, with the exception of temperature (19.9–24.82 °C). Animals fed diet supplemented with bacilli and LAB had good survival and the best growth performance, suggesting that bacteria are appropriate growth-stimulating additives in tilapia cultivation.     

Growth,feed utilization,and liver histology of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets containing increasing levels of swine fat

Due to predictions that the expanding aquaculture sector cannot continue to rely on finite marine stocks for fish oil, there have been several research works within the aquafeed industry to find sustainable alternatives for dietary lipid sources. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a range of inclusion levels of rendered swine fat on the growth performance and liver histology of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (initial weight ~ 20 g) were randomly stocked into twelve 1 m³ nylon mesh hapas and fed isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets containing rendered swine fat at varying inclusion levels of 0% (Control), 5% (SF5), 7% (SF7), or 10% (SF10) for 84 days. The control diet contained 5% fish oil as the lipid source. At the end of the trial, there were no significant differences between the final weights of the fish that were fed the control (38.01 ± 0.76) and SF5 diets (37.85 ± 0.68), and both groups recorded significantly higher (P < 0.05) specific growth rates relative to the SF7 and SF10 groups. Specific growth rates ranged from 0.59% day^?1 (SF10) to 0.75% day^?1 (Control and SF5). The fish that were fed the SF7 and SF10 diets had significantly (P < 0.05) larger livers relative to the control and SF5 fish. Histological examination further revealed significant liver alterations in the SF7 and SF10 fish, as evidenced by hepatocyte nuclei migration, hepatic vacuolation, and varying degrees of steatosis. Calculations of profit indices showed that the SF5 diet offers the best economic viability, taking into consideration both the monetary values of fish produced and cost of feed fed over the trial period. The results of this study indicate that rendered swine as a sole lipid source in juvenile Nile tilapia diets can be included at 5% without depressing fish growth.     

The effect of dietary methionine concentrations on growth performance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets with two different digestible energy levels

A growth trial was conducted to examine the effect of dietary digestible energy (DE) content on methionine (Met) utilization and requirement in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Ten iso‐nitrogenous (288 g kg^?1 protein) practical diets, with two DE levels (10.9 MJ kg^?1; 12.4 MJ kg^?1) and five methionine supplementation levels (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g kg^?1), were hand‐fed twice daily to triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (initial body weight 8.95 ± 0.06 g) for 8 weeks. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) increased significantly with increasing dietary methionine concentration at the same DE content (P < 0.001). At the same dietary methionine level, WG and SGR of fish fed high‐DE diets were significantly higher than that of fish fed low‐DE diets (P = 0.0001), although no interaction was found between dietary DE and methionine supplementation. Based on quadratic regression analysis between dietary methionine concentration and weight gain, optimal methionine requirement for maximum growth, expressed as g Met required kg^?1 diet (low‐ versus high‐DE diets), increased as diet DE concentration increased (7.34 versus 9.90 g kg^?1 diet, respectively; with cysteine 4.70 g kg^?1 diet). The results indicated that diet DE content affects methionine utilization and requirement in juvenile Nile tilapia, fish fed high‐DE diets required more methionine for maximum growth.     

饲料中海洋红酵母对尼罗罗非鱼幼鱼生长性能、消化酶及免疫酶活性的影响

为了研究海洋红酵母(Rhodotorula mucilaginosa)对尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)幼鱼生长性能、消化酶及免疫酶活性的影响,配制6组饲料,分别为对照组、添加1 gkg-1、2 gkg-1、3 gkg-1、4 gkg-1和5 gkg-1的海洋红酵母组,投喂初始均质量为(5.220.01) g的尼罗罗非鱼,实验56 d。结果显示,与对照组相比,2 gkg-1和4 gkg-1组的饲料系数显著降低(P0.05),1 gkg-1、3 gkg -1和5 gkg-1组则没有显著性差异(P0.05)。5 gkg-1组鱼体粗蛋白含量显著低于1 gkg-1和2 gkg-1组(P0.05),1 gkg-1、3 gkg-1和5 gkg-1组鱼体粗灰分含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。与对照组相比,1 gkg-1组胃蛋白酶活性显著升高(P0.05),3 gkg-1、4 gkg-1和5 gkg-1组胃蛋白酶活性显著降低(P0.05)。2 gkg-1和3 gkg-1组前肠和中肠淀粉酶和脂肪酶,以及肝脏溶菌酶和一氧化氮合酶活性均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。根据尼罗罗非鱼幼鱼的消化酶和免疫酶活性等指标综合分析得出,海洋红酵母在罗非鱼饲料中的建议添加量为2～3 gkg-1。     

Effect of water temperature on energy budget of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

A 21‐day growth trial was undertaken to investigate the effect of water temperature (25, 28, 31, 34, 37 °C) on growth, feed utilization and energy budget of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (initial body weight around 12 g) with four replicates at each temperature. Feed intake energy (IE), recovered energy (RE), faecal energy (FE), excretory energy (UE + ZE) and heat energy (HE) were calculated to obtain the energy budget. The results showed that feeding rate and ammonia excretion were not significantly affected by water temperature. Specific growth rate in wet weight (SGRw) and FE was significantly lower in the fish reared at 37 °C while no significant difference was observed between the fish reared at 25–34 °C. Protein retention efficiency was highest at 28 °C and lowest at 37 °C. The proportion of IE channelled into RE and UE + ZE was lower while those lost in HE was higher in the fish reared at 37 °C. The optimal growth temperature was estimated as 30.1 °C based on the regression of SGR and water temperature. Energy budget at maximum growth (34 °C) was: 100 IE = 27.0 RE + 1.1 (ZE + UE) + 10.6 FE + 59.2 HE. HE accounted for 69.3% and RE for 30.7% of metabolizable energy.     

Effects of pretreatment with microbial phytase on phosphorous utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was to assess effects of the pretreatment in all‐plant based diets with microbial phytase on phosphorous utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Pretreatment trials were conducted using phytase at graded doses to determine the optimal dose of phytase. Available phosphorus (P) levels increased significantly with the increased doses of phytase and the dose of 1000 U kg^?1 was most efficient. Based on the pretreatment trials, plant based diets for Nile tilapia were formulated by pretreating with phytase at 1000 U kg^?1. Experimental diets were supplemented with graded levels of mono calcium phosphate (MCP) at 25, 18.75, 12.5, 6.25 and 0 g kg ^?1 diet. In addition, there were three controls: one phytase control, one inorganic P control and one pretreatment control. The results showed that diets pretreated with phytase gave better growth performance, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of Nile tilapia compared with the phytase control diet and pretreatment control diet (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in growth performance of Nile tilapia between the inorganic control diet and phytase pretreated diets supplemented with MCP at 25, 18.75 and 12.5 g kg^?1 (P > 0.05), which resulted in significantly better performance than those at 6.25 and 0 g kg^?1 (P < 0.05). Dietary interaction effects of phytase were observed for phosphorus retention efficiency and phosphorus load. Apparent digestibility coefficient of P (ADCp) was improved significantly by phytase pretreatment (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected on ADC of crude protein among all experimental diets (P > 0.05).