Effects of Hydrogeographical Origin on Zootechnical Parameters of Wild Populations of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The effect of geographical origin on the zootechnical parameters of tilapias is very poorly documented, unlike production systems and farming methods. In this study, the growth and survival characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus individuals were analyzed in relation with their waterway of origin, sex and age at experimental fishing. Durung the rearing, the duplicate groups were constituted keeping the 2 sexes (male vs female) separately. Fingerlings were fed using a granulated commercial fish feed (35% of proteins; 3 mm in diameter). Apart from chlorophyll «a», 3 phytoplankton and 5 zooplankton species were also available in the rearing tank. The body weight, total length, standard length, average weight gain, nutritive quotient and survival rate were similar (p>0.05) between lake Toho and Couffo river but weaker at these two waterways than Ouémé river (p