On‐farm growth performance of different strains of tilapia, <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> reared in earthen ponds

The growth of aquaculture sector in Kenya has been anchored on farmed Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Different strains the species exist with unknown quality due to lack stock improvement programmes coupled by variations breeding and management practices different hatcheries. seeds supplied farmers have not exhibited good performance resilience changing climate. There is need validate fish Kenya. This study sought compare three tilapia; Sagana strain (SAG-F8) produced through selective breeding, super YY (KAM-YY) from Kamuthanga farm local (LOC-T) obtained Siaya County. were stocked fertilised earthen ponds measuring 300 m2 triplicates at 3 fish/m2. fed 35% crude protein diet for 180 days Bukani Aquapark located Busia County, was no significant difference mean weight gain (MWG) between SAG-F8 LOC-T exhibiting 159.786 ± 6.76 g 158.623 4.67 g, respectively. However, under similar conditions, KAM-YY had a significantly lower MWG (131.74 4.75 g) compared two strains. Food conversion ratio (FCR), specific rate (SGR) did demonstrate any among body content higher (65.40 0.20%) followed (61.23 2.34%) lastly lowest (60.37 0.89%). In this study, impact genetic demonstrated influence feed efficiency as well composition. These improved will substantially increase production productivity, hence, positive farmers' livelihoods when seed multipliers.