Abstract

Nile tilapia performance fed with diets containing crambe meal supplied with enzyme complex SSF was evaluated. With initial average weight ranging between 1.133g ± 0.105, 280 Nile tilapias were randomized into seven treatments, with four replicates and 10 fish per tank, totaling 28 experimental units. The temperature-controlled recirculation system had 30 L per tank, with individual water supply and aeration. The physico-chemical parameters of the water (temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia and pH) were monitored periodically. The fish went through an adaptation period of one week prior to starting the trial. The treatments consisted of a control diet and others diets containing three levels of inclusion of crambe meal, being replaced in their proper proportion, the protein soya by the protein ingredient evaluated (5, 10 and 20%) with 500 ppm of enzyme complex SSF or not. The isoproteic diets (360 g.kg^-1) contained the same amount of the ingredients, changing only the levels of inclusion of soya meal, crambe meal and inert. Fish were fed ad libitum four times per day. At 56 days, the tilapia performance was evaluated. The physic and chemistry parameters of water were within of the levels recommended for the species during all experimental time There was statistical difference for final weight, weight gain and feed conversion. It is concluded that the inclusion of up to 10% crambe meal supplemented with 500 ppm of enzyme complex SSF provides better performance and higher nitrogen retention for Nile tilapia.

Key words: Additives, Crambe abyssinica, fish nutrition, fish performance, Oreochromis niloticus.