Growth performance, nutrient utilization of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets

A 56 day study was carried out to evaluate the growth performance and nutrient utilization of Nile Tilapia fed diets containing housefly maggot meal (magmeal). Three isoenergetic diets respectively containing 31.20, 34.0 and 36.10% crude protein were formulated. Fishmeal was replaced partially with magmeal. Results of the study showed a good overall growth performances and status of experimental Fish. Standard growth rate was between 2.58-3.08; food conversion ratio ranged from 1.12 to 1.45 Protein efficiency ratio was between 2.21-2.47, while hepatosomatic Index and condition factor were ranged between 3.08-3.14 and 2.47-2.89, respectively. Fish survival was 100%. These recommend the suitability of magmeal in diets for Nile tilapia fingerling. However, the apparent crude protein digestibility of diet 3 (65.71%) containing highest magmeal dietary inclusion level, decreased significantly compared to diet 1 and 2 (76.26%, 77.04%). This may be due to the effect of elevated ash concentration of magmeal used in the diet formulation.