Effect of Pond Fertilization on Tilapia Growth and Profitability in the Institute of Oceanography Fish Farm, University of Calabar, Nigeria
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Abstract
Fish farmers have the desire to increase productivity but are constrained by high cost of formulated feeds. This study investigated the impact of pond fertilization on the growth performance and economic viability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture in Nigeria. Six ponds (three fertilized and three unfertilized) were monitored for various growth and economic parameters for a period of 240-days.The results showed that fertilized ponds significantly outperformed more than unfertilized ponds in terms of final weight (200.0 ± 8.0 g vs. 150.0 ± 5.0 g), weight gain (190.0 ± 7.5 g vs. 140.0 ± 4.5 g), specific growth rate (1.8 ± 0.06%/day vs. 1.5 ± 0.05%/day), and survival rate (90.0 ± 2.5% vs. 85.0 ± 3.0%). Additionally, the total revenue from fertilized ponds (N540,000 .00) was higher than that from unfertilized ponds (N 450,000.00), although both treatments operated at a loss (-N 125,000.00 for fertilized vs. - N 207,000.00 for unfertilized). The profit index and return on investment were also less negative for fertilized ponds. These findings highlight the potential benefits of pond fertilization in enhancing tilapia production. To improve the economic viability of tilapia farming, it is recommended to optimize fertilization regimes and explore ways to reduce production costs while potentially increasing market prices for the fish.
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