Effect of Stocking Density and Feeding Strategy on Zootechnical Parameters and Profitability of Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) Reared in Floating Cages in Toho-Todougba Complex Lagoon in Benin Republic
Romaric Aïzonou,
Arsène Mathieu Houssou,
Guillaume Koussovi,
Comlan Eugène Dessouassi,
Mardochée Ephraïm Achoh,
Sessien Lionnel Hounhouedo,
Clovis Idossou Hountchémè,
Hyppolite Agadjihouèdé
Affiliations
Romaric Aïzonou
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research and Innovation, AquaGenius NGO, Godomey BP 106, Benin
Arsène Mathieu Houssou
Research Unit in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, School of Aquaculture, National University of Agriculture, Porto-Novo BP 50, Benin
Guillaume Koussovi
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research and Innovation, AquaGenius NGO, Godomey BP 106, Benin
Comlan Eugène Dessouassi
Research Unit in Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin
Mardochée Ephraïm Achoh
Research Unit in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, School of Aquaculture, National University of Agriculture, Porto-Novo BP 50, Benin
Sessien Lionnel Hounhouedo
Research Unit in Hydrobiology and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01 BP 526, Benin
Clovis Idossou Hountchémè
Research Unit in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, School of Aquaculture, National University of Agriculture, Porto-Novo BP 50, Benin
Hyppolite Agadjihouèdé
Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Research and Innovation, AquaGenius NGO, Godomey BP 106, Benin
This study aimed to compare the growth performance and economic profitability of rearing Oreochromis niloticus in floating cages using three feeding strategies (5 days a week, 6 days a week, and 7 days a week) coupled with three stocking densities (20, 40, and 60 fish·m−3). Male monosex fish measuring 6.44 ± 0.18 cm and weighing 3.42 ± 0.7 g were used. The controls were weighed every 15 days from the 35th day of rearing until 185 days to assess zootechnical parameters. BioMar feed (Efico Cromis 832F) was used during the study, and the feed ration was adjusted for each treatment every 2 weeks. At the end of the study, the average weights varied from 293.09 g to 468.41 g for the conditions of 40 fish·m−3 with a 5/7-day diet and 20 fish·m−3 with a 7/7-day diet, respectively. The yield per m2 values were between 7.11 kg and 23.17 kg, respectively. On the other hand, the economic profitability was better with the condition of 40 fish.m−3 with daily feeding. These results suggest that in the Toho-Todougba lagoon complex, a stocking density between 40 and 60 fish·m−3 coupled with daily feeding (three times a day) promotes the optimization of fish production and profitability of fish farming.
