Growth Performance of Tilapia in Earthen Ponds in the Philippines Using the ASA-IM Feed-Based Methodology with Soy-Based Feed Compared to Traditional Culture Methodology
Category: Aquaculture
Region: Southeast Asia
DownloadA feeding demonstration was conducted at ZH Aquafarm, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines to evaluate the growth of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using ASA-IM feed-based pond culture methodologies with soy-based feeds in comparison to traditionally used culture methodologies and feeds. Mono-sex tilapia of size 0.0013 g were stocked in three, 0.1 ha ponds at 25,200 fish per hectare for the ASA-IM feed based demonstration ponds. Mono-sex tilapia of size 0.0007 g were stocked in three, 0.0.1 ha ponds at 52,500 fish per hectare for the traditional methodology of culture used in the area. Tilapia grew from an average of 0.0013 g to 252 g in 102 days and yielded an average of 6,048 kg/ha in the ASA-IM feed-based demonstration ponds. Tilapia in the traditional technology ponds grew from an average of 0.0007 g to 252 g in 132 days and yielded an average of 10,483 kg/ha. Survivals in the ASA-IM ponds averaged 95% while in the traditional ponds the average survivals were 79%. An economic analysis of the project indicated an average 29% overall return on investment (ROI) from the three ASA-IM feed based demonstrationponds, while only an average 16% ROI for the traditional ponds.