Proximate composition, nutritional properties and attractiveness of Aerobic, Anaerobic and Anoxic bioflocs as a fish feed

Abstract

This study involved testing use of bioflocs made under aerobic, anaerobic and anoxic conditions as a fish feed. Previously made bioflocs were administered to Nile tilapia larvae while video recording the feeding behavior. The main goal was to compare the attractiveness of the different types of biofloc to fish. Proximate and nutritional compositions of the bioflocs were analyzed and fish growth on diets containing bioflocs was recorded. The experiment was carried out in 12 glass aquaria each with 30 one month old tilapia fish. Feeding behaviors observed included approaching, eating and nibbling parameters. Approaching time was higher in anaerobic and anoxic treatments as compared to aerobic and control (P<0.05). Time invested in eating was higher in aerobic and control treatments as compared to anaerobic and anoxic while nibbling time was higher in control treatment as compared to other treatments (P<0.05). Anaerobic flocs had the highest crude protein, crude fat and volatile fatty acids values. Fish growth from the floc feed was evident with a specific growth rate of 5 % but not as in control which had a specific growth rate of 10 %.