The utilization of three aquatic plants as alternative feed for Tilapia nilotica cultured in an earthen pond

Tilapia nilotica fingerlings were stocked at a density of 20 fish/m3 in fixed net cages for 90 days in a pond in Imus, Cavite. These were reared using three formulated feeds of 35 percent crude protein content prepared from three aquatic weeds namely: Azolla sp., Eichornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth), and Ipomoea aquatica (Kangkong) on 29 May-27 August 1992 and 12 September-10 December 1992. Using Pearson\u27s Square Method, Feed Type 11 was formulated from 40 percent Azolla sp. and 60 percent Ipomoea aquatica by dry weight, Feed type III was formulated from 40 percent Azolla sp. and 60 percent Ipomoea aquatica by dry weight, Feed Type III was formulated from 37.5 percent Azolla sp. and 62.5 percent Eichornia crassipes by dry weight, Eichornia crassipes and Feed Type IV was formulated from 29 percent Ipomoea aquatica and 71 percent by dry weight. Commercial feed acquired from Bio-research served as a control (Feed Type I). Feeds were dispensed twice daily at a total ration equivalent to Ratio (FCR) was computed. Growth rates expressed as weight increments (grams) per unit time (day) and and percentage weight gain were recorded and compared. Cost of feed formulation was also computed. Physico-chemical factors such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and turbidity were determined