Production of freshwater infusoria and blacksoldier fly larvae using various organic substrates as starter feeds for fish larvae
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Date
2022
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Publisher
An International Journal of Basic and Applied Research
Abstract
Freshwater infusoria were raised on banana peels, potato peels, cabbage leaves and water
lettuce for three weeks while Blacksoldier fry larvae (BSFL) raised on goat, pig and cow dung
manures for four weeks was later fed to juvenile Nile tilapia as started feeds. Infusoria and BSFL
were cultured in twelve plastic containers each 40 liter and nine plastic plates each 0.135 m 2
respectively. The density and biomass of infusoria; and water quality parameters were measured.
The biomass and abundance of BSFL were determined. The growth performance and survival
rates of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were studied at three inclusion levels of BSFL (25, 75
and 100%) and fed twice a day in twelve polyethene tanks 20 litre each for two months. The mean
density and biomass of infusoria were higher in banana peels and lowest in water lettuce leaves,
at water temperature ranging from 21.5 ± 0.3 to 22.5 ± 0.5°C. Turbidity was generally highest in
Lettuce leaves and lowest in Banana peels. Freshwater infusoria were active within 15 days of the
experiment and became inactive with increasing turbidity. The biomass and abundance of BSFL
were higher in pig manure and lowest in goat manure, and showed significant differences among
inclusion levels (p<0.05). The growth rate of juvenile tilapia was numerically higher in treatment
receiving 100% of BSFL (6.63±1.67 g) and lowest at 25% (1.92±31.11g) of BSFL. Results suggest
potential of banana peels and pig manure as good substrate and higher inclusion level of BSFL to
grow Nile tilapia
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Organic substrates, Live feed, Infusoria, Protozoa, Starter diet, Nile tilapia