Nutritional Studies and Development of a Practical Feed for Milkfish ( Chanos chanos) Culture in Zanzibar, Tanzania

A study was conducted to find a suitable diet and feeding level for the culture of milkfish (Chanos chanos) in Zanzibar. Two growth trials and one digestibility trial were done. The first growth trial was conducted using 25, 32 and 40% protein diets to determine the optimal level that could be used for the second growth trial on feeding levels. There were no significant differences on feed intake and growth performance of milkfish among the treatments (P<0.896). Body composition analysis showed that fish had more fat (lipid) when fed 32 than 25 and 40% protein diets. The digestibility of protein increased with increasing protein levels: it was 87.3, 92 and 93% respectively. There were no significant differences among the diets (P<0.291). The 32% protein diet was chosen for the second growth trial to test a suitable feeding level. Milkfish were fed at 0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, 3.2 and 4% of their body weight. There was a significant linear relationship (r2 = 0.79) between digestible energy fed and energy gain, digestible protein fed and protein gain among protein and feeding levels. Protein and energy efficiency were 0.37 and 0.27 respectively. Results of growth, protein and energy efficiency and utilisation indicate that the suitable level of milkfish feeding was 4% of body weight per day when a 32% protein level was used. INTRODUCTION Worldwide the aquaculture industry has gained importance due to an increasing demand for fish to feed the world’s increasing human population. In Tanzania, the demand for protein has also been rising steadily. This is due to declining fish landings and an increase in the prices of meat and similar animal protein, accompanied by a rise in living standards, and a thriving tourism industry. For these reasons there is a local need to introduce alternative sources of animal protein to supplement the natural harvest and reduce the fishing pressure. Fish farming is one way of increasing production. In order to improve fish production, a detailed knowledge of the feed requirements of the fish along with information on their ability to utilise the protein and energy in the diet are needed. Feed accounts for the major portion of rearing costs

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Jiddawi, N.S., Mwangamilo, J.J.
Format:	Journal Contribution biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	WIOMSA 2003
Subjects:	Milkfish farming,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/962
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