Interaction of feeding frequency and feeding rate on growth, nutrient utilization, and plasma metabolites of juvenile genetically improved farmed Nile tilapia,<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>

Abstract We evaluated the possible interaction between feeding frequency (FF) and rate (FR) on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, plasma metabolites of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (6.57 g). tested three FFs: two, four, six times a day, two FRs: apparent satiation (AS) or restricted regime (RR), following completely randomized design in factorial arrangement, quadruplicate. The daily weight gain specific growth were 56 19% higher fish fed to AS than under RR, respectively. However, feed efficiency was 14% RR. Fish presented highest lipid (8.92%), whereas RR showed lowest (6.64%). Glucose triglycerides also AS. protein retention ratio (49.17% vs. 42.51%, respectively). 34% more but 62% fat There no difference regarding FF, regardless FR. Therefore, tilapia juveniles twice day is enough achieve optimum growth.