Use of Dried Basil Leaves as a Feeding Attractant for Hybrid Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus X Oreochromis aureus, Fingerlings

Abstract

A use natural feed additive is becoming useful for fish feeding rather than classic chemical feed additives due to the accumulative effect of the chemical components induced deterrent effects on human health. We study the effects of different levels of dried basil leaves (DBL) on performance, body composition and cost-benefit analysis of hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus. Four experimental isonitrogenous and isoenergitic diets were formulated to contain 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% of DBL. Eight glass aquaria (96-L) were used in duplicates to stock ten fish having the same initial weight (13g/fish) in each. Fish were fed 3% of the body weight three times daily, six days a week for 112 days. The dried basil leaves improved digestibility of protein and energy and declined the digestion of lipid and carbohydrates. Incorporation of DBL in test diets improved significantly (P<0.05) growth rate than the control diet especially at 2% DBL which achieved the best inclusion level. Palatability index increased as DBL levels increased and resulted in a reduction in feed waste percent from 33.48% with the control diet to 8.43% with diet contained 2% DBL level. Consequently, low incidence cost and high profit index were significantly (P<0.05) with the diet containing 2% DBL level. There is a positive impact for growth and feed efficiency to use DBL in Tilapia feeds.