Title: THE EFFECTS OF FEEDING METHODS AND REGIMES ON PERFORMANCE OF HYBRID TILAPIA, OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS XO.A UREVS, REARED IN CAGES.
Abstract: In order to study the optimum feeding methods and frequency in hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (female) x O. aureus (male), 2400 fingerlings were divided into four groups in duplicated floating net-cages (2m3 each). The same feed ration (27.9% crude protein) as percentage of biomass was given to all experimental groups but with different feeding methods (automatic on demand feeding or manual) and frequencies (2,4 and 6 times daily). The results indicated that: 1) fish fed from demand feeders (8 hours daily) gained more weight, showed better feed utilization, and higher survival rate and production than fish fed manually, and 2) the higher feeding frequencies between 4 and 6 times daily resulted in superior weight and length gains, conditions factor, feed utilization, survival and production as well as a favorable influence on lipid and protein assimilation, compared to fish fed two times daily.