6th Annual Judith Ramaley Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship
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Poster #15 Comparative growth rate study of red breasted tilapia (Tilapia zilli) based on diet type and protein composition. Jason Bratsch Faculty Mentor: Robin Richardson Tilapia zilli are a omnivorous species utilized in aquaculture for food production in many parts of the world. Tilapia exhibit a high protein to mass conversion rate, large size, tolerance of pollution, high palatability, and high protein content have granted this species to be a top contender as a replacement or alternative to species that are currently commercially overfished in our oceans. Protein levels and composition are important components for optimum growth rate in many species of fish. I compared proteins in zooplankton, a mix of phytoplankton and zooplankton, and strictly phytoplankton. The goal of the experiment was to observe which diet provides the species T. zilli the most mass production when diets were offered at a constant rate. Over the time span of three months, 6 tanks were utilized to house equal numbers of T. zilli. Each diet was fed at a rate constant of 5% daily of total fish biomass of individuals in the tank. Growth rates were monitored by periodic mass measurement. The standard temperature of the confinement area was set at 26 °C. Data collected is used in comparison of growth rate and the composition of protein that will provide the most mass gain. Results will provide insight on diet choice of T. zilli stocked in a Minnesota pond. |
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