Bibliography
COMPENSATORY GROWTH IN MOZAMBIQUE TILAPIA (Oreochromis mossambicus), FED A SUB-OPTIMAL DIET
1998, 56 (1) p. 3-19
Ewen McLean, Stig Moller Christensen
Abstract
Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, held in 30%o seawater and at 29-30 °C, were divided into four groups (n = 50/group in replicate), and given one of four feed cycles: 1) control, with continuous feedind, 2) 5:5, 3) 10:10 and 4) 15:15, wherein fish were subjected to starvation and subsequent refeeding cycles of 5, 10 and 15 days respectively. All animals were fed a commercial diet containing 18.4% protein, 6.7% lipid, 58.6% carbohydrate and 7.2% ash, over a 60 day trial period. Growth compensation was observed in the feed cycled groups as increased (P < 0.03) weight specific growth rates during refeeding. However, feed cycled groups were unable to achieve the weghts of control fish. Starvation reduced (P<0.01) haematocrit values when compared to control levels and, in the 15:15 cycled groups, elevated the testicular index (P < 0.02). The results are considered with respect to the commercial application of compensatory growth during production of tilapia.