Kola-pod husk as a total substitute for maize in the diet of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

The potential for kola-pod husk to completely replace maize in the diets of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was investigated. 400 Oreochromis niloticus fingerlins weighing 8 + 2g were randomly allocated into 2 groups, each group having 3 replicates in a completely randomized design in an 8-week trial. The treatments included the control diet (Diet B) having maize as the major energy source and Diet A in which maize was replaced with kola-pod Husk. Results revealed that 100% maize substitution with KPH had no significant (p>0.05) effect on survival weight gain and feed conversion ratio at greatly reduced cost. The study suggests that KPH could suitably substitute up to 100% maize in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus with an irresistible increase in profit margin.
Key words: Kola-podhusk, maize, diet, Oreochromis niloticus;
Growth rate, survival.