Characterization of the zootechnical performances of Lake Kou Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) population (Burkina Faso)

Abstract

The zootechnical performances of indigenous strains are determinant for their valorization in local aquaculture systems. This study was conducted in order to analyze under controlled conditions, the growth and survival performances of the Lake Kou Nile tilapia population. Two experiments were performed using 12 full-sib families. In the first experiment, duplicate groups of 6 families were used from 10 to 90 days’ post-fertilization (dpf). Six groups of all-males tagged juveniles having a mean body weight of 100 g, were used in the second experiment. Survival rates (10 to 90 dpf) ranged from 70 to 95% and no mortality was recorded during the grow-out period. In the first experiment, the specific growth rate varied from 15.62 to 9.62% per day (10 to 40 dpf) and from 9.21 to 5.15% per day (40 to 90 dpf). The daily weight gains of all-males families varied from 1.03 to 1.46 g per day. These preliminary results, indicate that a local aquaculture strain could be developed, using the best performing families and individuals of this population.