Currently designing a feed for a Tilapia aquaponic system in the Dominican Republic. Have multiple options to replace the protein content of fishmeal: Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Duckweed, Moringa, Papaya Leaves. Wondering what else needs to be added to complete a Tilapia diet for healthy growth (omega-3, carbs ect.) Also, any ideas on what can be used to fill those needs?
The feed can be formulated depending upon what all types of agricultural & animal byproducts are cheaply available in the area of operation.It serves multiple purposes: lowers cost of transportation, cheaper ingredients, utilisation of various biota byproducts, lowering carbon foot print. Hence first make a list of all of these items & then it would be easier to rope in to make a cheaper & viable aquaculture feed.
Thanks for the response. So far we are producing large quantities of Duckweed, Moringa, Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Red Wiggler Worms, Papaya Leaves and Seeds on the farm and hope to do the same for the other additions. I am hoping to made a feed starting with these ingredients. What I am wondering if using these ingredients will cover all necessities of the Tilapia diet. These are all high in protein as well so I am thinking I need a source with low protein (hopefully that can be produced on the farm in the Tropics) to lower the overall protein, and satisfy the needs in Tilapia diet.
you may use these protein sources and if you think the protein level is too high, you may mixed with cereal flour, containing carbohydrates. In that way, the energy level will be maintained and the price of the feed lowered. Addition of lipid (vegetable oil) will improve growth, but omega 3 are not essential. It is important to know the biochemical composition of each ingredient, in order to adjust protein, carbohydrate and lipid leval.
Tilapia needed all ingredients required for all fish species you can formulate tilapia diets depending upon what all types of agricultural & animal byproducts are cheaply available in your country such as food and agriculture industrial by products you can also see the attached papers with my best wishes
Tilapia is a species which is not very demanding. Tilapia needs (n-3) and (n-6) fatty acids. The formualtion of a diet depend, on existing cultures in the region.The total protein composition in the local cultures should be determined. Depending on the protein needs of different life stages of fish (larvae, fry, juveniles, adults and breeding), the ingredients are mixed to obtain the proper protein, fat and carbohydrate brequirements.
You can find an answer here:
Homemade Feed for Nile Tilapia in Madagascar
Method Homemade Feed for Nile Tilapia in Madagascar
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