Effects of stocking density on growth, yield and profitability of farming Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., fed Azolla diet, in earthen ponds

Two consecutive experiments were conducted to study the effects of stocking density on growth, food utilization, production and farming profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (initial mean weight: 16.2 ± 0.2 g) fed Azolla, as a main component in diet. In experiment 1, fish were hand‐fed twice daily with three isonitrogenous (28.5% crude protein) and isocaloric (14.5 kJ g⁻¹) diets A30, A35 and A40 containing 30%, 35% and 40%Azolla, respectively, for 90 days. Diets were formulated by mixing Azolla with locally available by‐products. No significant differences were found in growth parameters and production (P>0.05). Total investment cost was significantly higher with A30 (P<0.05), but same profitability values were obtained with all diets (P>0.05). In experiment 2, three stocking densities, 1, 3 and 5 m⁻², were assigned to three treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. Fish were hand‐fed twice daily with diet A40. The final mean weight (89.53–115.12 g), the mean weight gain (0.81–1.10 g day⁻¹), the specific growth rate (1.90–2.20% day⁻¹) and the apparent food conversion ratio (1.29–1.58) were affected by stocking density, with significant difference (P<0.05) at 5 m⁻², compared with the other densities. Stocking density did not affect survival rate (P>0.05). Yield and annual production increased with increasing stocking density, ranging from 7.10 ± 0.90 to 25.01 ± 1.84 kg are⁻¹ and 28.79 ± 3.66 to 101.42 ± 7.48 kg are⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively, with significant differences between all densities (P<0.05). Higher stocking density resulted in higher gross return and lower cost of fish production, with significant variations (P<0.05). The net return increased with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). However, both densities of 3 and 5 m⁻² produced the same profitability values. On the basis of growth values and economic return, it was concluded that Nile tilapia could be raised at a density of 3 fish m⁻² with A40 to improve production and generate profit for nutritional security and poverty alleviation in rural areas.     

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.     

3种品系尼罗罗非鱼生长及高密度胁迫后生理响应变化的比较

以‘吉富’、‘新吉富’、‘埃及尼罗’3种不同品系尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)为研究对象, 通过不同品系之间生长与高密度胁迫反应的比较, 探讨3种尼罗罗非鱼的生长特点与应激后生理响应的变化规律。将初始规格基本一致的3种品系尼罗罗非鱼饲养100 d后, 吉富罗非鱼特定生长率最高, 新吉富其次, 两者间无显著差异(P>0.05), 埃及尼罗罗非鱼特定生长率显著低于吉富罗非鱼(P<0.05)。吉富与新吉富罗非鱼的内脏比显著高于埃及尼罗(P<0.05); 3种尼罗罗非鱼的肥满度之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。养殖实验结束后, 进行48 h的急性高密度(100 g/L)应激实验。应激48 h内, 吉富与新吉富罗非鱼血清总蛋白、葡萄糖、谷草转氨酶、胆固醇与溶菌酶活力/水平以及肝HSP70mRNA水平呈先上升后下降的变化。应激48 h后, 埃及尼罗罗非鱼血清皮质醇水平与应激前相比无显著差异(P>0.05), 吉富与新吉富罗非鱼的皮质醇水平显著高于应激前(P<0.05); 埃及尼罗罗非鱼血清溶菌酶活力与肝HSP70 mRNA水平在应激后48 h内始终高于应激前(P<0.05)。研究结果表明, 短期高密度胁迫可提高3种尼罗罗非鱼血清葡萄糖与甘油三酯的利用, 并诱发肝损伤。埃及尼罗罗非鱼的抗高密度应激能力高于吉富和新吉富罗非鱼。

     

Effects of stocking density and feeding levels on growth and feed efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fry

The effects of stocking density and feeding levels on larval survival, growth rates, feed utilization efficiency and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fry were investigated in two consecutive experiments. In experiment 1, swimup fry (0.016 g average body weight) were stocked in 20‐L fibreglass tanks, in a closed, recirculating indoor system, at five stocking densities (3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 fry L^?1) and fed a larval test diet (40% crude protein) to apparent satiation, three times a day, for 40 days. Fish survival, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate (% SGR) were negatively correlated with stocking density. The best performance was achieved at 3 fry L^?1. However, no significant differences in growth parameters were found between 3 and 5 fry L^?1. Body composition was not significantly affected by stocking density. In experiment 2, fry (0.016 g average body weight) were stocked at 5 fry L^?1, and fed a larval test diet (40% crude protein) at six feeding levels (10%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% BW day^?1) and to satiation, three times a day for 40 days. Fish growth rates and survival were extremely poor at 10% feeding level, and improved significantly with increasing feeding levels up to 30%, and levelled off with further increase in feeding levels. On the contrary, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein production value (PPV) were negatively correlated with feeding level. The lowest feeding level (10%) produced significantly lower body lipid and higher protein and ash than other feeding levels. The present results suggest that the optimum stocking density and feeding level of Nile tilapia fry are 5 fry L^?1 and 30% per day respectively.     

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。     

Comparative study of growth performance of three strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, L. at two stocking densities

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density (125 or 200 fish m^?3) on the growth performance of three strains of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: the non‐improved strain (NS), the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center selected tilapia known as the FaST selected line (SL). Each strain and density combination was triplicated in 0.42 m³ fibreglass tanks within a re‐circulating water system. Water temperature was maintained at 29.0±1.0°C. Large Nile tilapia having a mean body weight of 100–110 g were stocked in each tank and hand‐fed four times daily with commercial tilapia pellets (35% protein) for 104 days. Results showed that at the two stocking densities, the GIFT and SL strains showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) mean weight (MWT), daily growth rate (DGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gross yield (GY) than the NS. In all three strains, growth performance was negatively affected by stocking density. The lower density (125 fish m^?3) treatments had significantly higher MWT, DGR and SGR than the higher density one (200 fish m^?3). However, higher FCR and GY were observed at the higher density. Survival rates were high in all treatments and were not affected by strain or density. In general, the SL strain had better growth parameters than the GIFT strain. The findings of this study demonstrated the superior growth performance of the improved strains at both densities compared with the NS. The higher density (200 fish m^?3) could be more profitable for the tilapia farms in Kuwait than the lower density of (125 fish m^?3) in terms of reduced land cost and facilities, demand on the limited low‐salinity underground water and manpower.     

Effects of open-pond density and caged biomass of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) on growth, feed utilization, economic returns and water quality in fertilized ponds

The effects of open‐water and caged fish density on growth, feed utilization, water quality and profitability were investigated to assess the feasibility of a small‐scale rotational system for production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in fertilized ponds. Hand‐sexed male fingerlings averaging 18.6 and 29.9 g were stocked in open water and cages, respectively in four treatments with open‐pond:caged tilapia ratios of 300:0 (control), 150:150 (L), 300:150 (H1) and 300:300 (H2). The ponds in L and H1 contained one cage, two cages in H2, and the control ponds had no cages. Each cage contained 150 fish, which were fed daily at 1.5% body weight for 125 days. All fish in the open water except the control fish were not fed. Growth of open water tilapia was significantly (P<0.05) higher in L than in control. Feed utilization, dawn DO and economic returns were significantly better (P<0.05) in caged than control ponds. Growth of tilapia in L was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cages than in open water. Fingerling production was significantly lower (P<0.05) in L than in other treatments. In conclusion, cage‐cum‐open‐pond integrated treatment (L) was optimal for O. niloticus production in fertilized ponds. However, the system could not rotate and needed further fine‐tuning to rotate.     

Influence of pond fertilization and feeding rate on growth performance, economic returns and water quality in a small-scale cage-cum-pond integrated system for production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

The effects of pond fertilization and feeding rate on growth, economic returns and water quality were investigated to develop a low‐cost cage‐cum‐pond integrated system for production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Hand‐sexed male fingerlings averaging 19±0.39 and 32±0.69 g were stocked in cages and open ponds at 150 fish cage^?1 and 2 fish m^?2 respectively. Fish were cultured for 114 days in five triplicate treatments. Cages were installed into ponds and caged fish were fed a 24% protein diet at 3% (T1) and 6% (T2) body weight day^?1 (BWD) without pond fertilization, and 6% BWD with pond fertilization (T3). The open water in the fourth treatment (T4) was not stocked but contained caged fish, which were fed 6% BWD for the first 57 days followed by 3% BWD for the remaining period. Ponds in the control (T5) had no cages and were neither fertilized nor open‐pond fish fed. Feeding rate and pond fertilization significantly (P<0.05) affected fish growth, profitability and water quality among treatments. Fish growth, feed utilization, fish yield, water quality and profits were significantly (P<0.05) better in T3 than the other treatments. It was concluded that fish production and economic returns were optimized at 6% BWD in fertilized ponds.     

Brown propolis extract in feed as a growth promoter of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758) fingerlings

This study assessed the use of increasing levels of brown propolis extract (BPE) as a growth promoter in Nile tilapia fingerling feeds. In a complete randomized design, 75 Nile tilapia fingerlings with 60 days on average and weighing 4.1±0.1 g were assigned to 25 aquaria (60 L) and subjected to 5 treatments in 5 repetitions for 30 days. Propolis from Serra do Araripe, Cariri Region, South Ceará State – Brazil was used to produce the BPE. The treatments involved the addition of BPE to feed samples (0.91, 1.83, 2.74 and 3.65 g kg⁻¹) and feed control (without BPE). The final mean weight and the percentage of weight gain varied quadratically with the increase in BPE ( P <0.01), with a maximum of 2.22 g kg⁻¹. The other evaluated parameters were not affected by the treatments ( P >0.05). The level of best performance parameters was 2.22 g kg⁻¹, between the levels of 1.83 and 2.74 g BPE kg⁻¹ feed inclusion. These results indicate the potential to use the brown propolis extract as a growth promoter to Nile tilapia fingerlings.     

Simulation of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus niloticus L.) culture in ponds, through individual-based modelling, using a population dynamic approach

A simulation model for the production of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus niloticus L.) for mixed‐ or mono‐sex culture and for poly‐culture with the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell 1822) or African snakehead (Parachanna obscura Günther 1861) is presented. The model is based on an exponential decay model used in population dynamics and follows an individual‐based approach. The model consists of a tilapia sub‐model representing population dynamics, growth and recruitment and a predator sub‐model representing the predation process and population dynamics and growth of the used predator. The model was calibrated with data on mixed‐ or mono‐sex culture of Nile tilapia and for poly‐culture with the African catfish or African snakehead obtained in Congo Brazzaville and validated with similar data from the Philippines, Thailand and the Ivory Coast. The model visualized major underlying processes in tilapia farming and aspects for further improvement of the model; growth is one of the most sensitive input parameters and should be quantitatively related to feeding level and feed quality; length at first maturity and quantification of the recruitment of Nile tilapia has a relatively large influence and recruitment should be related to the length of the females; prey–predator relations are too coarse and should be more fine‐tuned with the relation between prey size and predator size. Incorporation of these features would provide the basis of a model that can serve as a predictive and decision‐making support tool.     

Partial replacement of soybean meal by sesame meal in diets of juvenile Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus L.

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of replacing of soybean meal (SBM) with sesame meal (SM) in the diets of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven practical diets (33 g kg^?1 crude protein, 19.2 MJ kg^?1 dry diet) containing substitution levels of 0%, 8%, 16%, 24%, 32%, 40% and 48% SM for SBM protein were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of O. niloticus fingerlings (mean initial weight of 8.74 ± 0.12 g). The fish survival rate, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and condition factor were not significantly affected by the contents of SM in the diets (P>0.05). The final body weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth ratio, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of the fish fed the diet containing 16% SM were similar (P>0.05) to that of the fish fed the control diet. Except lipid, digestible contents of dry matter, crude protein, ash, gross energy and individual amino acids decreased while phosphorous increased with increasing SM levels. No significant differences were observed in whole‐body dry matter, ash and lipid contents among all the treatments (P>0.05); crude protein contents between fish fed the control diet and a diet containing 24% SM were also not affected significantly (P>0.05), and the phosphorus content was not significantly different when the SM level was increased to 32% (P>0.05). No significant negative differences were observed in the liver composition between fish fed the control diet and the diet containing 24% SM. The most efficient diet in terms of cost per unit WG of fish was obtained in 8% SM dietary substitution, while no significant differences were found among the 0%, 8% and 16% levels. It was indicated that SM can be utilized in the juvenile Nile tilapia diet to replace about 16% of SBM protein without causing negative effects on growth performance, body composition, liver composition and feed utilization.     

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%.     

Moderate salinities enhance growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings in the biofloc system

The biofloc technology (BFT) has recently gained attention as an economic and environmentally sustainable system for aquaculture. The use of BFT with salinized water could be used to minimize the negative effects of nitrogenous waste and improve the growth performance of Nile tilapia. This work evaluated the growth performance, survival, gill lesions, and fillet composition of tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus) reared during 70 days with different salinities (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 g/L) in a biofloc previously developed. The results indicated that the use of mature bioflocs alone was sufficient to avoid fingerling mortality due to nitrite peaks. Moreover, the salinized water, especially between 4 and 8 g/L (maximum points around 6 g/L), can be recommended in BFT to improve the growth performance of tilapia in the initial culture phase. The salinity level that was evaluated did not affect fillet composition nor the occurrence of gill lesions. The total ammonia nitrogen concentration was lower in freshwater than in salinized water (p < 0.05). Nitrite peaks in salinities of 12 and 16 g/L appeared later and were higher in comparison to other treatments. Considering minimal water exchange in BFT, the use of salinized water in this system may be environmentally viable.     

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。     

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).     

Effect of dietary betaine levels on growth performance and hepatic intermediary metabolism of GIFT strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in freshwater

An 8‐week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary betaine levels on the growth performance and hepatic intermediary metabolism of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (mean initial body weight: 78.3 ± 1.3 g, means ± SD). Six practical diets were formulated with the incorporation of betaine at the levels of 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 g kg⁻¹. Survival showed no significant differences among the treatments (P > 0.05). The highest and lowest weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed for fish fed the diets containing 5 and 0 g kg⁻¹ (control) betaine, respectively. Feed intake showed similar trend with WG and SGR. In contrast, feed conversion ratio was the lowest when dietary betaine level was 5 g kg⁻¹. In general, dietary betaine supplementation showed no significant effect on hepatic composition of tilapia. Condition factor and viscerosomatic index tended to increase with increasing dietary betaine levels from 0 to 5 g kg⁻¹ and then decline when dietary betaine levels further increased from 5 to 25 g kg⁻¹. In contrast, hepatosomatic index declined with increasing dietary betaine levels (P < 0.05). Dietary betaine levels significantly influenced several hepatic enzymatic activities, including succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, suggesting that dietary betaine addition had significant effects on nutrient metabolism in the liver. Based on the second‐order polynomial regression analysis of WG, 12.5 g kg⁻¹ of dietary betaine level seemed optimal for genetically improved farmed tilapia strain of O. niloticus.     

Effect of dietary probiotic Biogen® supplementation as a growth promoter on growth performance and feed utilization of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Probiotic microbial feed supplements are gaining wide acceptance in livestock production, and may be applicable to aquaculture production systems. The present study was conducted to examine probiotic treatment in the fingerling diet of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.). A total of 240 of Nile tilapia fingerlings (weight ranged from 22.96 to 26.40 g) were divided into five experimental groups. The experiment was conducted for 120 days. Experimental diets were identical in all, except for the variation in probiotic levels. A probiotic (Biogen^®) was used at 0% (diet 1), 0.5% (diet 2), 1.5% (diet 3), 2.0% (diet 4) and 2.5% (diet 5) inclusion rates in the experimental diets. The growth performance and nutrient utilization of Nile tilapia including weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and energy retention were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in the treatment receiving probiotic (Biogen^®) than the control diet. No differences were observed for moisture, ash and protein content (P≤0.01) among the experimental diets. The lowest gross energy and lipid contents were recorded for fish fed the diet containing 0.5% Biogen^® (P≤0.01). The production performance and subsequent cost–benefit analyses clearly indicated that the diets containing probiotic biogen recorded the highest net return and the lowest total cost compared with the control diet.     

Spontaneous diploidization of the maternal chromosome set in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) eggs

Spontaneous diploidization of the maternal chromosome set (SDM) in Oreochromis niloticus is described here for the first time. The SDM phenomenon was observed in progeny of only one XY neofemale out of 11 such neofemales from which eggs had been fertilized with UV‐irradiated sperm: this treatment produced only the expected haploid embryos from the other females. SDM progeny were produced from three different batches of eggs from this female. No significant differences in survival at different stages of embryonic development were observed between the SDM and the diploid control group. The maternal inheritance of SDM progeny was verified using multilocus DNA fingerprinting. Only diploid karyotypes were observed in these fish and diploid control groups. In both the SDM and control groups, sex ratios were significantly skewed towards males (93.3% and 65.0% males respectively). The actual mechanism of SDM in eggs from this particular female remains unknown.