Effects of input fermentation and feed extrusion on the production performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) reared in hapa enclosures

This study was conducted at the fish farm Agro-fish farming company (SAP Mé), located in the south-eastern region of Côte d’Ivoire (6°09’06’’N, 3°44’32’’W). Twelve enclosures were installed in a fertilized pond to assess the impact of input fermentation and feed extrusion on the production performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four dietary treatments were tested, each composed of 50% rice bran and 50% wheat bran: P50 (untreated), PF50 (fermented), G50 (extruded), and FG50 (fermented and extruded). Fish with an initial average weight of 202 ± 2 g were fed for 100 days at a rate of 3% of their body weight. The results revealed a progressive improvement in zootechnical and economic performance depending on the treatment applied. The FG50 diet yielded the highest daily weight gain (DWG: 1.96 ± 0.16 g/day), the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR: 2.98 ± 0.3), and a 51.04% reduction in feed cost per unit of weight gain compared to the control diet (P50). Both extrusions alone (G50) and fermentation alone (PF50) also enhanced growth and efficiency indicators, though to a lesser extent. Carcass analysis showed increased protein and lipid content, along with reduced moisture, indicating improved nutritional value. Overall, the integration of technological processes such as fermentation and extrusion into fish diets can enhance productivity and profitability in aquaculture, while promoting the use of locally available agricultural resources.