Does duckweed (Lemna minor) feed inclusion play a role on growth, feed conversion ratio and reproductive performance (fertilization, hatchability and survivability rates) in omnivorous fish? Evidence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus‐Linnaeus, 1758)

• Published in: Aquaculture, fish and fisheries fish and fisheries, 2024-08, Vol.4 (4), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Achoki, Judith Kemunto, Kaingu, Catherine Kaluwa, Oduma, Jemimah Achieng’, Orina, Paul Sagwe, Ondiba, Robert Nyakwama, Nyabwanga, Robert Nyamao, Getabu, Albert Mochache
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: fertilization and survivability rates; fish feeds; growth performance; hatchability; Lemna minor; Oreochromis niloticus; reproductive performance
• ISSN: 2693-8847; 2693-8847
• DOI: 10.1002/aff2.70000

Fish feed production is fraught with high costs due to the inclusion of expensive fishmeal and animal proteins that can be sourced from aquatic macrophytes. Limited attempts have been made on use of the latter for fish feed production. Further, the quality of feed given to fish is known to affect its growth and reproductive performance. Role of feeds containing duckweed (Lemna minor) at 0%‐control feed, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% inclusion levels on growth and reproductive performance of Oreochromis niloticus of size 18 ± 1 g were evaluated for 12 weeks. The fish were fed twice daily at 10% body weight at 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Length–weight measurements were done fortnightly using a measuring board and a weighing balance, respectively. Female mouth‐brooding fish were used to evaluate reproductive performance indicators, namely %: fertilization, hatchability and survivability. Data were subjected to one‐way analysis of variance followed by post hoc and polynomial orthogonal analysis to identify L. minor diets with significant differences (p