19.3.1 Learning Objectives

1. to be able to describe the animal production factors affecting the Tilapia;
2. to understand the animal production coefficients and parameters for the Tilapia and to see how this would relate to production of this species in captivity;
3. to become familiar with an approach to the intensification of Tilapia production.
back to top

19.3.2 Factors Affecting Tilapia Production

Water Quality:
Adequate Supplementary Nutrition:
30-35% CP of which about half must be of fish origin
Predation:
Stocking Density:

 

Readings:
You could refer to Hanley (undated) for further information.

back to top

19.3.3 An Intensive Animal Production System for the Tilapia

Considerations for Species Production Modeling: The Species: Oreochromis niloticus; Tilapia nilotica and T. mossambica

 

[I] The Objectives of the Production System or Model
 (1) To develop and manage an intensive Tilapia breeding colony.
 (2) To grow out the Tilapia to market weight for sale as fresh water fish.

back to top

[II] The Species Life Cycle

back to top

[III] The Physiological States for the Production Flow

1] Mature Tilapia: Male and Female
2] Eggs (the eggs are fertilized in the mouth of the Female)
3] Fry
4] Fingerling [Sexual differentiation takes place at about 6 to 8 weeks]
5] Growing

back to top

[IV] Performance Coefficients or Growth Parameters
                       
Guide to Red Hybrid Tilapia Growth

Age of Fish (weeks)	Approximate Weight of Fish (g)	Number of Fish per LB
4 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32	1 7 12 23 40 65 91 160 200 270 315 375 440 497	450 65 38 20 11 7 5 3 2.2 1.7 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.9

[Source: Hanley (Undated)]

back to top

[V] Reproductive Parameters

-Brood Pond: 1 acre Brood Pond / 20 Acres Production Ponds
-Stocked with sexually mature adults > 100g [4 animals to the LB]
- stocking rate 4000 to 5000/ acre
- Sex Ratio -1 male: 2 Female
- Fry Production begins at about 3 weeks
- remove frys every 7 to 14 days
- average female produces 100 frys per month.

[You could consult Hanley (undated) for further details].

back to top

[VI] Animal Specific Needs as influenced by the Factors Affecting animal Production Needs

a. Housing
Read Ramnarine (1989) for details on pond design.

back to top

b. Nutrition and Feeding
Formulated Fish feed with 28 to 30% CP;
Animals fed once or twice per day feeding at a rate of 2 to 10% body weight [refer to Hanley (Undated)] .

back to top

c.Health and Disease Control
Refer to Hanley (Undated). back to top

d. Reproductive Management
Production ponds must be mono sexed. Refer to Hanley (Undated).

back to top

[VII] Animal Behavior and Sociology
Ponds should be stocked with similar sized animals to avoid stress due to competition.

back to top

[VIII] Design of the Physical Environment Required

1] Breeding / Brood Pond
2] Fry Ponds
3] Grow out Ponds
4] Sorting / Holding Ponds or Tanks
5] Aeration System
6] Drainage and Water Control System
7] Water Supply System

back to top

[IX] Management Routines Required

• Daily
• feeding
• aeration
• Weekly
• fry removal from brood ponds
• Monthly
• animal size monitoring
• Seasonally
• pond maintenance and repair
• Annually

back to top

[X] Variable Inputs Required

• Feed
• Labour

[XI] Output Expectations of the Model/ Production Process Flow

back to top

 

19.3.4 Recommended Readings

 

Hanley, F. (Undated): A Guide to the Farming of Tilapia, Master Blend Feeds Ltd., Kingston, Jamaica.

back to top