GROWTH PERFORMANCE, SURVIVAL AND BREEDING OF Oreochromis niloticus AND Oreochromis macrochir REARED UNDER GREENHOUSE CONDITIONS
Abstract
The growth, survival and breeding performance of Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis macrochir was investigated in earthen ponds under greenhouse conditions at Henderson Research Institute. Six experimental ponds, three in open atmosphere and three under greenhouses were set up. Each pond was further subdivided by hapas to make 12 experimental units of which half were stocked with Oreochromis niloticus and the other Oreochromis macrochir. Fish weights and lengths were recorded fortnightly and feed intake was based on current biomass. Fish sex and breeding activities were noted. Results showed that mean weight gain for O. niloticus was significantly higher than O. macrochir both in greenhouse ponds and open ponds. Feed intake was also higher leading to greater weight gains in the greenhouse than in open ponds. Growth performance of both species improved significantly under greenhouse culture but O. niloticus was much superior compared to O. macrochir. Even O. niloticus cultured in open ponds had superior performance to O. macrochir cultured in greenhouse ponds. Turbidity, alkalinity and sulphates had positive correlation with the weight and length of O. macrochir in open ponds. The study results demonstrated that the greenhouse can enhance growth performance of O. niloticus and O. macrochir in climatic considered less favourable for tilapia culture.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Hydrobiology
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Clementain C. Zvavahera
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Animal Science, Harare
0000-0002-5445-0563
Zimbabwe
Vimbai R. Hamandishe
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Animal Science, Harare
0000-0001-6462-5614
Zimbabwe
Petronella T. Saidi
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Animal Science, Harare
0000-0002-8376-5695
Zimbabwe
Venancio E. Imbayarwo-chikosi
University of Zimbabwe, Department of Animal Science, Harare
0000-0003-3775-0051
Zimbabwe
Tamuka Nhiwatiwa
*
University Lake, Kariba Research Station, Kariba
0000-0002-5295-0724
Zimbabwe
Publication Date
January 16, 2018
Submission Date
November 23, 2017
Acceptance Date
January 13, 2018
Published in Issue
Year 2018 Volume: 1 Number: 1