Effect of coconut oil levels on growth and reproduction performance of female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

Effects of coconut oil (CO) levels on growth and reproduction performance of female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) (average weight =m 14.57 ±0.96 g) were investigated after preparation of four experimental diets containing different levels of coconut oil 3% (35 ml/kg of CO), 6% (70 ml/kg of CO), 9% (105 ml/kg of CO) and 12% (140 ml/kg of CO). Fish dry were acclimatized for two months in cement tanks and later were stocked in 80L fiber tanks connected to aeration system where were fed with 3% of body weight of the referred experiment diet for 90 days. Growth performance (P>0.05) was evident on treatment at 6% CO of coconut oil showing higher weight gain (98.76±9.50 g) and average daily gain (0.80±0.04 g/day). There is no significant difference of reproductive parameter (P>0.05). The higher gonadosomatic index and egg diameter of individuals fed on 6% (2.80±1.76a % and 1.83 ±0.51a mm) and 12% (2.55±1.05ab % and 1.63±0.26ab mm) coconut oil was found. The greater absolute and relative fecundity (2284.88±272.57a eggs and 27.33±1.61a eggs/g female) were found in individuals fed on 3% coconut oil. Proximate analysis on dry matter basis of whole body was monitored (P>0.05). The greatest crude protein (55.18±0.98%) was found in treatment 6%. The higher nitrogen free extract was found in treatments fed on 6 and 12% coconut oil (3.67±0.26 and 2.81±0.08%) while the higher crude lipid exhibited in treatment fed on 9% coconut oil (29.14±1.70%). It may possible that the suitable concentration of coconut oil in fish feed can promote the reproductive performance of Nile tilapia female.