Technical reports - product by product development from Nile Perch (summary table)

Abstract

Since dairy meal is becoming increasingly expensive in Kenya and threatens the fish rearing industry, a systematic study was initiated on the possibility of using aquatic plants and Nile perch silage. The water plants, Azolla niloticus, Lemna perpusilla and Pistia striatotis were tested as a fishmeal for Tilapia zillii and riverine fishes. Low growth rates were achieved in the tilapias. The value of the Azolla protein in fish diet is discussed in relation to dietary requirement in cultured fish. This study demonstrates that the water plant Azolla niloticus together with Nile perch silage as a supplement can be used as a complete diet for cultured fish. It is hoped that the project will help provide detailed information on the nutritional value of the water plant Azolla niloticus and its long-term susceptibility to various inclusions as a complete feed, and conduct least cost feed formulations to make recommendations as to the maximum inclusion levels.