Evaluation of growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1752) with supplementary feeding of brewery waste in concrete ponds at Tehuledere district, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of brewery waste on the growth performance of Nile tilapia in concrete ponds. Fingerlings were stocked at a density of two fish per m2. The treatment groups were fed at 5% of their body weight twice daily with locally available brewery waste for 180 days whilst the control group was fed only on natural food items. After the study period, the mean final length (15.66 ± 0.19) and mean final weight (80.86 ± 1.78) of treatment groups was significant when compared with a mean final length (12.78 ± 0.13) and mean final weight (42.00 ± 1.12) of control groups. The mean body weight gain in treatments (72.28 ± 1.74) was significantly higher than the control groups (33.35 ± 0.63). Specific growth rate of the Nile tilapia in treatment groups (1.25 ± 0.02) was better than the control groups (0.88 ± 0.01). Similarly, the daily growth rate was significant in treatments (0.4 ± 0.01) as compared with control groups (0.19 ± 0.01). Most of the water quality parameters were optimal in both treatment and control groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of brewery waste ascertained the faster growth in Nile tilapia.