Red Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Farming in Thailand using a Split-plot Experiment Design to Improve Feeding Frequency and Feed Intake: Weight Gain and Profit Return

Abstract

There is still relatively little research examining the feeding frequency and feed intake optimization for culturing Red Tilapia (oreochromis niloticus), especially in Thailand. Meanwhile, Red Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus or pomegranate fish) is a high-quality meat fish that is crucial to the economy's ability to generate sustained income. Thus, by using a split plot experiment design, this study examined the adequacy of food quantities and feeding frequency for rearing red tilapia for 4- to 5-month-old fish in terms of fish weight and profit. It used a case study of the Red Tilapia farming in the Ping River, Tak Province, involving the use of floating baskets (Oreochromis niloticus). In normal operation, feeding occurs three times daily, and each 20 fish consumes an average of 25 grams of food per feeding. In the experimental design, feeding volume levels were established at 15, 25, and 35 grams each meal, while feeding frequency levels were set at 2, 3, and 4 times per day. The data were examined between 0 and 30 days. It was discovered that Weight increase in Red Tilapia was significantly influenced by feeding frequency and food intake. However, there was no difference in the weight gain of Red Tilapia under the effect of offshore and nearshore trails. In addition, feeding Red Tilapia four times a day with a feed quantity of 35 grams each meal led to the greatest weight increase, but not the greatest profit. With a feed intake of 15 grams each portion and a feeding frequency of four times a day, the optimal conditions for maximizing profit were attained and applied by entrepreneurs. Future research would benefit from an experiment involving a broader range of ages.