Determination of the effect of feeding at two different times with feed and pigmented feed on growth performance in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles

The present study aims to investigate the growth performance, flesh quality and color change in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles with feeding once and twice in a day with pigmented and non-pigmented trout diets. The experiment was conducted among four groups and in two replications, including feeding with pigmented feed once a day (G1-P), feeding with non-pigmented feed once a day (G1-N), feeding with pigmented feed twice a day (G2-P) and feeding with non-pigmented feed twice a day (G2-N). The initial average weight of the Nile tilapia juveniles used in the study were of G1-P=2.03±0.32 g, G1-N=2.03±0.39 g, G2-P=2.01±0.42 g and G2-N=2.00±0.37 g. The feeding experiment lasted for 300 days. At the end of the study; lenght (cm), weight (g), body weight gain and specific growth rate values were found to be more successful in fed twice a day groups (P<0.001). The number of feedings on the carcass ratio and viscerosomatic index were different (p<0.05) and the pigment content was detected as different on the hepatosomatic index in the fish flesh (P<0.001). There were no statistical effect of feeding frequency and pigment content on crude protein, ash and moisture between groups. Crude lipid was determined at a higher rate in pigmented feeding groups (P<0.05). Fish flesh L, a and b values showed statistically significant differences. The a and b values were found to be high and the L value was found to be low in the pigmented feed (P<0.001). The use of carotenoid feed has a positive effect on growth and coloration of fish flesh thus, it can be recommended to use in the Nile tilapia culture. Keywords: Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, Growth Perfomance, Flesh Quality