Abstract
This study aimed to decrease the production cost and increase tilapia yield with a feeding regime. The trial was divided into four treatments with three replications followed by the feeding frequency in monosex male Nile tilapia with an average initial weight of 17.86–18.40 g/fish cultured on a net cage in the earth pond for three months. Fish fed with 18% protein supplemented with 5% protein concentrate. The first month was used by 32% protein feed twice per day (T1, control), fish were fed twice per day every other week (T2), fish were fed twice per day per week (T3), and fish were fed twice per day per week (T3). Fish fed twice per day per week are now fed twice per day (T4). These results revealed that T2 fish had the highest growth performance and most protein consumption (P < 0.05). Moreover, fish in T2 has the lowest production cost and highest benefit-cost ratio (B/C ratio) (P < 0.05).
The highest percentage of edible meat in T2 was P < 0.05, but the proximate analysis was close for all three groups (P > 0.05). As a result, it is necessary to ensure that Nile Tilapia culture has sufficient protein and nutrition control. This will allow for both high growth and low cost.
Fish health and quality were positively affected by a perfect protein-containing feeding regimen. In fish fed with 18% protein and 5% protein concentrate for the first month, followed by 32% protein feed twice every other day and then with 18% protein.
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•The suitable feeding regime which reduced feed cost to ∼ 30%.•The relationship and interaction of malnutrition with low nutrient and fasting on compensatory growth response.•The mechanism responding on the compensation of Tilapia.•Positive feedback on flesh quality and health of fish fed with suitable feeding regime.