Retention Capabilities of Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) Fed Potential Advanced Life Support (ALS) Residues --EAC Presentation 2004

A seven week study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient retention capabilities of juvenile Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) when fed potential advanced life support (ALS) waste residues. Experimental diets were formulated to contain 98% waste residue: 2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Fish were fed to apparent satiation three times daily (0900, 1300, 1700). Uneaten feed was collected from tanks as needed, dried and weighed to determine true consumption. Weight gain and specific growth rate improved significantly ( p \u3c 0.005) in tilapia fed control and wheat bran/germ diets. Nitrogen, protein and sulfur retention were significantly greater (p \u3c 0.001) in tilapia fed wheat bran/germ residues followed by the control and soybean residue treatments. Tilapia fed the control diet exhibited the greatest ability to retain carbon followed by wheat bran/germ and thermophilic bacteria residues. In conclusion, tilapia were capable of utilizing nutrients in waste residues for growth. Additional research investigating the incorporation of different process methods such as composting, as a means of pre-digesting waste residues prior to tilapia consumption is needed. 1 slide Related Documents:WM1, WM2, WM3, WM