Abstract

LLANES, J.  and  CASTRO, M.. Substitution of commercial feed for natural zeolite in Nile tilapias GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus). Cuban J. Agric. Sci. [online]. 2020, vol.54, n.3, pp. 387-394.  Epub Sep 01, 2020. ISSN 2079-3480.

Using a one-way design, with four treatments and three repetitions, different percentages (1, 3 and 5) of substitution of commercial feed by natural zeolite in Nile tilapia GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus) were evaluated. A total of 240 small fish (0.11 ± 0.03 g initial weigh) were used, which were fed with experimental rations during 60d.The increase of zeolite in the rations decrease (P < 0.05) the amount of food per animal (9.08 to 6.50 g) and intake protein (2.95 a 2.09 g). There were not differences (P >0.05) in the final weights (5.88, 5.84, 4.89 and 5.74 g) and survivals (86.66, 95.67, 90.00 and 90.00 %) between the experimental treatments. However, the feed conversion and protein efficiency increase (P < 0.05) with 5 % of zeolite, which allowed decrease the feeding costs with saving of US $ 226.74 /t. It is concluded that the substitution of 5 % of commercial feed by natural zeolite improves the efficiency in the food use as positive economic effect. It is proposed to continue researchers with zeolite as partial replacement of protein raw matters in tilapias feed.

Keywords : feeding; minerals; fishes; zoad.

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