Dawadawa and Kantong Additives Improve the Growth and Health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of condiment on the growth and hematology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), stocked at 15 fish per tank with an initial average weight of 3.11±0.25 g for 8 weeks in twelve 55 m2 circular tanks. Three experimental diets, such as Dawadawa, Kantong, and Dawakan additives, and a control diet were studied in triplicate in this trial. The growth performance and feed utilization showed significant differences (p<0.05) among the dietary treatments with SGR in the additives treatment, which ranged between 3.77±0.61 and 4.31±0.09, which was higher than the control treatment (3.69±0.63). The FCR of additive diets ranged between 1.55±0.00 and 1.65±1.0 and was lower compared to the control diet (1.67±0.00). The concentrations of white blood cells, red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin (P≤0.05) observed in the control group were lower compared to the group with an enhanced additives diet showing the best blood parameters. All in all, the fish-fed Dawadawa additive showed the best growth and health among treatments. There is, however, a need for further studies to observe the effect of the condiment on a challenged fish.