Behavioral responses of nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus)‎ to feed restriction regime

Abstract EN

Feed restriction and re-feeding regime can be used as a management tool to reduce feeding cost.

The present study was carried out to investigate behavioral adaptation of Nile tilapia to feed restriction regime.

Forty Nile tilapia fish species were classified into two groups (n=10/group, 2 replicates per group).

This study was completed in 11 weeks period and divided into two stages, the first stage (feed restriction) which was for first 8 weeks followed by the second stage (re-feeding) for remaining 3 weeks.

The first group was the control which fed daily throughout the study period, the second was the restricted group which had their feed restricted for two days per week for 8 weeks and then refeed for 3 weeks.

Behavior of fish, body weight, body dimensions and water quality were recorded.

Weight gain, relative growth rate and feed conversion ratio were calculated.

The results demonstrated that food restriction significantly increased resting, schooling and chafing behaviors, but decreased eliminative, chasing and mouth pushing behaviors.

Feed restriction significantly reduced body weight.

However, the relative growth rate and feed conversion ratio were improved.

Water quality parameters were improved with increased dissolved oxygen and maintenance pH in restricted group.

It was concluded that Nile tilapia were adapted behaviorally to feed restriction regime by increasing comfort behavior and reducing aggressive behavior that indicate adjustment capability of Nile tilapia to feed deprivation.