RESPONSE OF NILE TILAPIA, OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS TO DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FENNEL SEEDS MEAL (FOENICULUM VULGARE)

Abd El Hakim N. F.11; Mohammad H. Ahmad2*; El-Dsouky S. Azab1; Mohamed S. Lashien1; El-Sayed Soliman Baghdady1

1Department of animal production faculty of agriculture, El-Azhar –university.

2Department of fish nutrition, central laboratory for aquaculture research, Abbassa, Abo-Hammad Sharkia, Egypt.

Received 24/ 5/ 2010 Accepted 20/ 6/ 2010

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed meal (FLSM) incorporation at different dietary levels on growth performance and nutrients utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (4.5 g). This study was preformed in 12 glass aquaria (100 L. capacity per each one) to represent four dietary treatments of FLSM supplementation (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3 %). All experimental diets were formulated to be is-nitrogenous (30.64 % crude protein) and iso-caloric (4.73 kcal./g diet gross energy) The tested diets were given to fish at a daily rate of 3 % of the live fish biomass each aquarium. The daily feed amount was offered in three equal parts daily at 8.00, 12.00 and 3.00; 6 days a week for 14 weeks. Fish were weighted every two weeks and feed amounts were re-adjusted accordingly. The experimental aquaria were stocked with 20 fish each and the experimental aquaria were provided with air through a compressor via air stoned. The experimental aquaria were cleaned every day, fish faces were removed by siphoning. The highest final weight; gains in body weight, daily gain and specific growth rate (P<0.05) were recorded by fish group fed 1 % FLSM. The best feed conversion ratios (FCR) were recorded by fish groups fed 1 or 2 % FLSM. All FLSM- supplemented groups recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher feed conversion ratios and protein efficiency ratios compared to the control group. No differences significant effects in whole body moisture, crude protein, lipid and ash content due to FLSM supplements ration. Supplementing Nile tilapia diets with 1, 2 and 3 % of FLSM reduced the costs of one kg gain in weight by 16.36; 14.92 and 8.22 %, respectively compared to the control group. Based on the obtained results it could be recommended the supplementation of growing Nile tilapia diets with 1 % of FLSM; this level improved the fish growth performance, nutrient utilization and decreased the costs of production of 1 kg gain in weight.

Keywords: Fennel seeds meal, medicinal plants, Nile tilapia, growth performance, feed additives, body composition, and economic evaluation.