Evaluating the Growth Efficiency of Oreochromis andersonii Using Commercialand On Farm Formulated Feed in Controlled Indoor Tanks

Abstract

Feed quality plays a critical role in optimizing growth performance and carcass composition in aquaculture. Inresource-limited settings, evaluating the potential of locally formulated feeds as alternatives to commercial diets is essential for sustainable fish production. This study assessed the effect of commercial and on-farm formulated feeds on the growth performanceand carcass composition of Oreochromis andersonii. The experiment was conducted over a period of nine weeks at Kapasa MakasaUniversity, using a Completely Randomised Design with two treatments: a commercial feed (T1, control) and an on-farmformulatedfeed (T2). A total of 60 fingerlings with an average initial weight of 3 g were stocked at a density of 10 fish per tank in six identicalindoor plastic tanks. Fish were fed a 30% crude protein diet at 8% of the standing biomass, administered twice daily. Growthparameters (weight and length) were measured weekly after a 24-hour fasting period. Water quality parameters were monitoredregularly to ensure optimal rearing conditions. The results revealed no significant differences in the final body weight betweentreatments, with 14.79 g (T1) and 13.74 g (T2), while there was a significant difference in the final mean lengths of 8.98 cm(T1) and8.33 cm (T2). Survival rates remained at 100% in both treatments. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower in T2 (1.5) comparedtoT1 (1.9), indicating better feed efficiency in the on-farm formulated diet. Additionally, carcass yield was higher in T2 (45.5%) thaninT1 (37%). The findings suggest that on-farm formulated feed can serve as a cost-effective and nutritionally adequate alternativetocommercial feed for O. andersonii, supporting its potential use in small-scale aquaculture systems.