Growth performance of Nile tilapia farmed in fertilized fish ponds in Western Kenya
Abstract
Demand for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) is expected to increase due to the global population increase. In Kenya, the use of manure to enhance primary productivity in fish ponds has been on the rise. The objective of this study was to assess the growth performance of Nile tilapia from fish ponds fertilized with organic and inorganic fertilizers in Western Kenya. Three fish farms in Kakamega County, each with three ponds measuring 300 m 2 and stocked with 1,000 Nile tilapia, were sampled for total fish length using a measuring board, weight using a scale and water quality. On each of the farms, the three ponds consisted of an unfertilized pond (UF), inorganic manure fertilized pond (IF), and organic manure fertilized pond (OF) in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that the value of regression coefficient b obtained from the length-weight relationship had isometric growth, with 2.57 to 3.14 in all three fertilizers. Relative condition factors ranged from 1 to 1.14. There were differences (P<0.05) among the mean weights and lengths of fish, with the IF having the highest mean weight and length. However, the specific growth rate did not differ (P>0.05). The results showed that the fertilization of fish ponds improved the growth of Nile tilapia fish in ponds. The organic and inorganic fertilizers in this study provide a good environment for pond fish. However, further research should be done to ascertain the environmental impacts of this practice
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