Influence of Feeding Intensity on Growth Parameters and Survival of Coptodon guineensis Günther, 1862 Juveniles Raised at the Layo Aquaculture Experimental Station, Ivory Coast

Abstract

A study was conducted from June 3 to August 26, 2024, at the Layo Aquaculture experimental Station (Dabou, Ivory Coast), in order to assess the influence of three diets on the growth and survival parameters of Coptodon guineensis juveniles. The overall objective of this trial is to contribute to the improvement of fish farming production techniques. Thus, 150 individuals with an initial average weight of 4.84±1.52 g and an initial average length of 60.36±6.31 mm were divided into three batches (batch 1, batch 2, batch 3) tested in duplicate, in 50-liter happas at a density of 0.5 individuals/L. The Happas were installed in a pond previously prepared and fed by water from the Ebrié lagoon. Fish were rationed at rates of 10%, 20% and 30% of biomass for batches 1, 2 and 3 respectively, using a commercial "Koudijs" feed. On a weekly basis, physico-chemical parameters were measured between 07:00 and 07:30; ten individuals, selected at random by happa, were weighed and measured individually. At the end of the experiment, all surviving individuals per batch were counted. Results showed values of 28.13 ± 0.31°C, 6.30 ± 0.26 mg/l and 7.03 ± 0.21 respectively for temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH. These values were in line with recommended standards for Tilapia. At zootechnical level, fish from batch 2 (20%) achieved higher growth (Aw: 10.54 ± 1.40 g; Al: 77.34 ± 3.05 mm; ADG: 0.81 ± 0.2 g/d) and survival (76.00±11.31%) performances than other batches. The ADG, weight CV and survival rates of batch 2 were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of batches 1 and 3. In short, fish farmers should opt for the 20% rationing rate. Looking ahead, it would be interesting to extend the duration of the experiment beyond one month to observe the long-term influence of feeding intensity on the zootechnical parameters of this species.