Growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of monosex red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a biofloc system

Biofloc technology offers a sustainable solution for intensive aquaculture by converting nitrogenous waste into microbial protein through the activity of beneficial microorganisms. This study evaluated the optimization of biofloc dosage on the production performance of monosex red tilapia over a seven-month period using a completely randomized design with three treatments: control (without biofloc), Treatment 1 (84 mL/L), and Treatment 2 (96 mL/L), each with three replications. Measured parameters included specific growth rate (SGR), survival rate (SR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency (FE), floc volume, and water quality. The results showed that Treatment 2 achieved the highest SGR (1.34 ± 0.35% per day), which was significantly different from the control (1.25 ± 0.03% per day, P < 0.05). The highest survival rates were observed in the control and Treatment 2 groups (98%), while Treatment 1 recorded 92.70%. Treatment 2 also exhibited the lowest FCR (2.38 ± 0.37) and the highest FE (41.97 ± 0.66%), indicating superior feed utilization efficiency. Floc volume increased proportionally with biofloc dosage, reaching 17 mL/L in Treatment 2. Water quality parameters remained within optimal ranges throughout the study, with temperature at 24.8–25.2°C, pH at 7.0–7.2, and dissolved oxygen at 6.1–6.7 mg/L. These findings confirm that a biofloc dosage of 96 mL/L optimizes production efficiency in monosex red tilapia culture by enhancing growth performance and feed utilization, thereby supporting sustainable aquaculture development. These results contribute to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by advancing sustainable aquaculture practices that minimize environmental impact and promote responsible intensification.

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