Production of pelletized biofeeds using Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves for nile tilapia (Oreochroms niloticus [manuscript]
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Date
2019
Authors
Sheina Mae O. Mendoza
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Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves have been studied as protein sources for cattle, goats and chickens. Feeds represents 40-50% of the total variable cost in fish production. The average price of feed ingredients used in aquafeeds rose by 20-92% in 2008. This study will benefit farmers since the ingredients to be used are readily available, low cost and contain nutrients that will sustain the needs of animals. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of cassava leaves as pelletized biofeeds for nile tilapia.
The pelletized biofeeds was formulated using trial-and-error method to attain the leaves, 20% rain tree pods, 20% rice bran, 5% melon shell. A 2 mm diameter die was fabricated to provide the desired feed size for juvenile nile tilapia. The formulated pelletized biofeeds were characterized in terms of moisture content and bulk density. The pelletized biofeeds and commercial feeds were compared in terms of physical properties and proximate analysis. The produced pelletized biofeeds were evaluated in the nile tilapia in terms of weight.
Results revealed that pelletized biofeeds has a crude content of 20.38%. The actual moisture content of the pelletized biofeeds is lower than the commercial feeds which is 14.07%. Commercial feeds has the highest bulk density which is 0.65 g/cc. The growth rate of the tilapia fed of formulated biofeeds was lower than the growth rate of the tilapia fed of commercial feeds. Based on the comparative cost analysis pelletized biofeeds cost Php 14 per kilograms lower than the commercial feeds.