Optimization of balanced protein levels for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for different marketable products

• Grant number: 24/12857-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Fishery Resources and Fishery Engineering - Aquaculture
• Principal Investigator: João Batista Kochenborger Fernandes
• Grantee: João Batista Kochenborger Fernandes
• Host Institution: Centro de Aquicultura (CAUNESP). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/07415-9 - Optimization of balanced protein levels for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for different marketable products, BP.TT; 23/06935-3 - Nutritional and economic models to estimate optimal dietary balanced protein levels for finishing Nile tilapia, BP.PD

Abstract

The pursuit of profitability in aquaculture enterprises demands a strategic approach that considers the nutritional needs of fish. In this context, the present study aims to estimate the economically optimal level of balanced protein for Nile tilapia during the grow-out and finishing phases. Based on performance data, economic models will be developed to maximize gross margin in commercialization, including whole fish, fillets, and portions. To achieve these objectives, two feeding trials will be conducted, lasting 60 and 90 days, respectively. Both trials will follow the same experimental design, with six treatments and five replicates each, totaling 30 experimental units. In the first trial, 600 tilapia with an initial average weight of 80 g will be used, and in the second experiment, 450 tilapia with an initial weight of 300 g will be employed. The fish will be fed three times a day to apparent satiety, with experimental diets containing six levels of balanced protein (19.63%, 23.24%, 26.84%, 30.45%, 34.18%, and 37.79%). Zootechnical performance, feeding costs, revenue, and gross margin will be determined. Economic models will be adjusted to determine the optimal levels of balanced protein that maximize gross margin. The ideal protein levels will be calculated considering different products for fish sales and various market scenarios. Based on the results obtained, a tool will be developed to determine the balanced protein level that provides the best gross margin given market conditions. Additionally, this project will contribute to the development of feeding programs that optimize Nile tilapia production. (AU)