Use of non-conventional feed sources in Nile tilapia diets

Abstract: Two experiments were carried out to study the effect of partial replacement (25% or 50%) of fish meal protein by earthworm meal protein, either ethanol-treated or water-washed; as well as soybean meal protein by mung bean seeds protein, either raw or sprouted on growth and performance, of Nile tilapia fingerlings.
In the first experiment, no significant differences in growth parameters and body protein content were observed between fish fed the control diet and those fed diet contained 25% ethanol-treated earthworm, while significant increase in body ash and significant depression in body fat have occurred. The highest silica content was found in fish fed 50% water washed earthworm meal. There was no difference in protein retention and serum cholesterol while significant depression in fat retention, ALT and alkaline phosphatase activities occurred between the control and those fed diets contained 25% ethanol-treated earthworm meal.
In the second experiment, an improvement in growth parameters occurred when fish fed diets contained 25% sprouted mung bean seeds compared to those fed the control diet. There were no differences in body protein and fat content, while, body ash increased significantly for the groups fed sprouted mung bean seeds compared to group fed the control diet. No differences were observed in protein and fat retention for group fed 25% sprouted mung bean seeds compared to the groups fed the control diet. Serum total cholesterol and liver enzymes were reduced significantly when fish fed sprouted mung bean seeds compared to raw seeds.
Economically, diets contained 25% ethanol treated earthworm meal and those contained 25% and 50% sprouted mung bean seeds are similar to the control diet.
Accordingly, it is possible to replace partially fish meal protein by ethanol treated earthworm meal protein, and soybean meal protein by sprouted mung bean seeds protein without adverse affect on growth and performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings
Publication year 2009
Availability location جامعة القاهرة، جامعة عين شمس، جامعة الأسكندرية، مكتبة المركز الأقليمي للأغذية و الأعلاف
Availability number
Organization Name
Country Egypt
Author(s) from ARC
External authors (outside ARC)
    عبد الله غزاله جامعة القاهرة
Publication Type PhD Thesis
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