Strategies for Nile Tilapia (oreochromis Niloticus) Pond Culture

Different strategies for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in ponds with a series of progressive inputs were compared. The sequential experimental stages to increase fish production through intensification were: 1) triple superphosphate (TSP) only; 2) chicken manure only; 3) chicken manure supplemented with urea or urea and TSP; 4) urea and TSP; 5) continually supplemental feeding; 6) staged supplemental feeding; 7) feeding alone. The results showed that the choices of input regimes with increasing economic gains are: 1) fertilizing ponds with moderate loading of chicken manure; 2) fertilizing ponds with chicken manure supplemented with urea and TSP; 3) fertilizing ponds with urea and TSP; 4) fertilizing ponds initially with urea and TSP in combination of supplemental pelleted feed at 50% satiation level at later stage of grow-out cycle.