The addition of moringa flour (Moringa oleifera) to the diet of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and its effect on productive parameters

Abstract

Due to the importance of finding sustainable protein sources, that could partially or totally replace fish meal, several studies have demonstrated the potential of Moringa oleifera in Oreochromis niloticus diets. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the addition of four different percentages of M. oleifera flour in O. niloticus diets on productive parameters.  Water quality was monitored daily, and biometrics were carried out every 15 days.  Four isoproteic diets were formulated that included 30% total protein, and isoenergetic (3900 kcal/kg).  Moringa flour was included at percentages of 0%, 10%,15% and 20% (T0, T10, T15 and T20 treatments, respectively).  Growth development was evaluated for 60 days based on: specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), Fulton's condition factor (FC), absolute growth rate (AGR), food conversion rate (FCR) and survival rate (SR). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between T0 and T15 with T30 and T45 treatments at 30 days, the first two showing the highest values. From 60 days onwards, there was a decreasing relationship between the inclusion level and the total weight. There was an inverse relationship between the inclusion of M. oleifera flour and the main growth parameters of O. niloticus, while there were no differences in terms of SR and FCR.