Use of organic wheat in the diet of Nile tilapia juveniles

Abstract

Although the organic fish production is a growing practice in the world, in Brazil, there are just a few studies about it. This study aimed at evaluating the use of organic wheat, in replacement of organic maize, in the diet of Nile tilapia juveniles. A total of 200 juveniles (5.24 ± 0.13 g; 6.91 ± 0.40 cm) were distributed in 20 experimental hapas (0.15 m³ of useful volume), in a concrete water tank with capacity for 25.0 m³ and constant aeration system, in a completely randomized design. Five diets containing organic wheat middlings (0.0 g kg^-1, 50.0 g kg^-1, 100.0 g kg^-1, 150.0 g kg^-1 and 200,0 g kg^-1) were elaborated and feeding took place four times a day (08:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 02:00 p.m. and 05:00 p.m.). Final weight, total length, survival rate, daily weight gain, Fulton’s condition factor, visceral fat, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index and the centesimal composition of fish carcass (moisture, protein, lipid and ash contents) were evaluated. The inclusion levels of organic wheat middlings did not affect the variables analyzed. The organic wheat can be added to the diet of Nile tilapia juveniles up to the limit of 200.0 g kg^-1, without causing any productive problem.