Field testing of azolla Azolla filiculoides and Amaranthus spinosus Kolitis leaf meal for improved tilapia in pond culture

Abstract

Thisrnstudy evaluated Azolla filiculoides and Amaranthus spinosus leafrnmeal as an alternative diet for Nile tilapia. Fish were fed commercial feedsrn(Control), alongside formulated 20% Azolla (A20) and 50% ASLM (ASLM50) proteinrnsources on alternate days. Resultsrnshowed that growth parameters, final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate,rnfeed conversion ratio, and percentage survival were comparable among allrntreatments. Costrnand return analysis showed that both A20 and ASLM50 had higher net income,rnreturn on investment, and shorter payback periods than that of Control. ASLMrnhad the highest ROI (59.63%) and shortest payback period (1.68 years), closelyrnfollowed by A20, while Control had the lowest. Overall,rnthe incorporation of A20 or ASLM50 in Nile tilapia diets enhanced growthrnperformance and increased profitability, supporting their use as sustainablernand cost-effective alternatives to conventional commercial feeds.