Obrero, Jeely Nicole L Pagliawan, Dennis Joy C Villa, Nikki Aimee Bernadette D (February 2008)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
The Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is a major aquaculture species cultured in the Philippines. It is the most preferred species because it grows fast and is well adapted for farming in warm countries.
There are limited researches on lipid alternatives for tilapia feeds. Common lipid sources include soybean oil, cod liver oil and fish oil. Virgin coconut oil is known for its medium-chain fatty acids which aids in regulating normal body functions and enhances the immune system.
This study aimed to compare the growth of Nile tilapia juveniles (40-50 g) fed with soybean oil-containing feeds and VCO-containing feeds. The mean weight and mean length were measured every two weeks for six weeks.
The mean length and mean weight of tilapia fed with VCO are relatively higher than those fed with soybean oil. After six weeks, the tilapia fed with soybean oil has a mean weight of 95.7075 grams and mean length of 16.6713 cm while those fed with VCO has a mean weight of 104.8938 grams and mean length of 17.3308 cm. However, 1- test showed no significant differences in the mean weight and mean length of tilapia fed with either of the two oils.
The effect of VCO on the growth performance of tilapia is comparable with that of soybean oil. VCO can be used as alternative to soybean oil for fish feeds. Other beneficial effects of VCO on tilapia that were not expressed in terms of growth such as resistance to diseases may further be investigated.