Feeding for fish is one of the no
less important phases of aquaculture, this if it is well supplied, with
the necessary nutrients and proteins, will make the fish grow bigger, stronger
and with better sustenance for human consumption.
Apart from a rigorous diet, adequate fertilization
and a good supply of water are the basic and essential care that must be
given to the pond for the good breeding of the fish.
As we have seen since elementary school, fish
are also classified into omnivores, herbivores and carnivores.
Among the first (which consume all kinds of food) are cachama and yamu.
Herbivores, which feed only on vegetables,
we can find species such as the Nile Tilapia, which is a filter of
phytoplankton (plant microorganisms). The cachamas consume ripe fruits
such as guava, papaya, plantain, banana and mango very well.
And finally, there are the carnivorous
fish (which feed on other animals), including trout and catfish.
Recent research has shown that pineapple
peel meal can be used to feed Nile Tilapia fingerlings without
compromising growth or affecting digestibility parameters.
This theory was practiced by Olaleye
Waheed of the University
of Agriculture Abeokuta in Nigeria, who
conducted a feeding trial to investigate the effect of fermented
pineapple husk meal on the growth behaviour
and digestibility of Nile Tilapia.
During his research ,Waheed substituted 35% crude corn protein and was replaced by fermented pineapple husk flour at levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75%.
At the end of the experiment, it was
observed that the fermented pineapple rind was more suitable as an
energy supplement when it was incorporated at a level of 75%. The Weight Gain,
Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) and Protein Production
Value (PPV) were 35.6 g, 2.25% / day, 2.58 and 0.56, respectively. Likewise,
the final weight of the fish did not show significant differences in all the
diets.
Based on their result, Waheed recommends
that an inclusion of 75% pineapple skin in the diet of Tilapia
fingerlings is optimal without compromising growth rate or affecting
digestibility parameters.
This thesis gains more force since
according to Morteza
Yousefi, associate professor in
the Department of Veterinary Medicine at RUDN University,
in Russia, declares that “pineapple
peel, which accounts for up to 42% of the
weight of each fruit, is rich in fiber, protein, and pectin”.
He also certifies that “pineapple
supplements have a positive effect on the growth and immunity of Tilapia.
Biologically active components of the plant, such as the bromelain, can play a
role. It stimulates the activity of the immune system and promotes the
functioning of the intestines”.
“Other substances in pineapple can promote
the growth of beneficial bacteria in the fish’s body. But we also showed that
the supplement should be included in the diet in small amounts. An excess of
plant fiber restricts the growth of fish, and prolonged stimulation of the
immune system by supplements leads, on the contrary, to suppression of immune
responses", completed.
As well, these two academics assure that a
good supplement in the diet of the Nile Tilapia is pineapple. It
is worth noting that the research was carried out by Waheed
was in 2011 and the study carried
out by Yousefi
is from 2021.
