Training Of Trainers FAI Eng. Basel Tilapia Welfare.pdf

Tilapia Aquaculture Scoring
FAI App.
Eng. Basel Ahmed Abd El Aziz
Aquaculture Engineer at NCFA Ministry of Defense
Founder / CEO of Octopus Initiative

THE GLOBAL FISH PRODUCTION
Global Production
179 Million Tones
Fisheries 96.8 MT Aquaculture 82.2 MT
54% 46%

01
02
03
04
69%
14%
10%
7%
Asia
123.5 MT Global Fish Production
America
25 MT Global Fish Production
Europe
Africa
TOP FISH PRODUCING CONTINENTS
62.7 MT China
7 MT Peru, 6 MT America
4 MT Norway
2 MT Egypt

TOP 3 FISH SP. PRODUCED IN THE WORLD MARINE CAPTURE
Gadus chalcogrammus
Alaska pollock
‫األطلنطي‬ ‫القد‬
Katsuwonus pelamis
Skipjack
‫تونة‬
-
‫جاك‬ ‫سكيب‬
Binomial name: Engraulis ringes
Common Name: Anchoveta
Arabic name: ‫األنشوجة‬
10 % 5% 4%
7 MillionTones 3.4 MillionTones 3.2 MillionTones
Total Fin Fish
71.9 Million Tones
Marine Capture

TOP 3 FISH SP. PRODUCED IN THE WORLD FRESHWATER
Hypophthalmichthys molitrix
Silver Carp
‫الفضي‬ ‫المبروك‬
Oreochromis niloticus
NileTilapia
‫النيلي‬ ‫البلطي‬
Binomial name: Ctenopharyngodon idellus
Common Name: Grass Carp
Arabic name: ‫الحشائش‬ ‫مبروك‬
10.5% 8.8% 8.3%
5.7 MillionTones 4.8 MillionTones 4.5 MillionTones
Total Fin Fish
54.3 Million Tones
Aquaculture

THE MOST FAMOUS CULTIVATED SP. IN EGYPT FRESHWATER
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Oreochromis
Species: O. niloticus
Binomial name: Oreochromis niloticus
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Mugiliformes
Mugilidae
Mugil
M. cephalus
Mugil cephalus Liza ramada
Animalia
Chordata
Actinopterygii
Mugiliformes
Mugilidae
Chelon
C. ramada
Common name: NileTilapia Striped Mullet Thin lip Mullet
Arabic name: ‫نيلي‬ ‫بلطي‬ ‫بوري‬ ‫طوبار‬

THE NILE TILAPIA PRODUCTION
Global Production
6.5 MT GlobalTilapia Production
Egypt Production
1.2 MT GlobalTilapia Production
86% Aquaculture
12% Lakes
2% River Nile

WHY DO WE CULTURE MONO-SEX TILAPIA?
Grow out:
Type of culture Mono-sex Mixed-sex
Advantage
• Large harvest weight
• Uniform size at harvest
• Technically easy
Disadvantage • Technically difficult
• Small harvest weight
• Mixed sizes at harvest
Example
Lower Preferred Upper
Temperature 11-12˚c 25-32˚c 42˚c
Feeding Omnivorous Grazer Filter feeder

MONO-SEX TILAPIA LIFE CYCLE
Sexual Maturity:
• Sexual maturity in ponds is reached at an age of 5-6 months.
• Spawning begins when water temperature reaches 24˚c.
• The breeding process starts when the male establishes a territory, digs
a craterlike spawning nest and guards his territory called a lek.
• Nests are prepared by scooping out depressions at pond bottom.
• Mature female visits the pond and there is immediate courtship and mating.
• The ripe female spawns in the nest, and immediately after fertilization by the male,
collects the eggs into her mouth and moves off.
• The female incubates the eggs in her mouth and broods the fry after hatching until
the yolk sac is absorbed. (1-2 weeks acc. to water temp.)

TILAPIA WELFARE
TRAINING OF TRAINERS

TILAPIA WELFARE INDICATORS-EGYPT

TILAPIA WELFARE INDICATORS - EGYPT
• In this course we will learn:
1) The different types of welfare indicators.
2) The 3-score system we are using to score each indicator.
3) The 9 health indicators.
4) The 10 environmental indicators.
5) The 6 nutritional indicators.
6) The 3 behavioral indicators.

• All welfare measurement criteria are based on demonstrating any evidence of CHANGE in the fish’s:
The different types of welfare indicators.
1) Physical condition of the fish (health, growth).
2) Mind (pleasure, suffering).
3) Natural behavior (hiding, escaping).
We use Welfare Indicators to get information about the state of the fish's needs.

Direct Indicators
are fish measurements, such as:
1. The fish weight
2. The fish length
3. The health of each fish
Indirect Indicators
are measures of the surrounding environment,
including:
1. Oxygen saturation
2. Water temperature
3. pH
4. Transparency
5. Alkalinity
6. Presence of predators

Welfare indicators can be direct or indirect
Direct indicators
are measured on the fish. In this
case, the farmer measured the
fish weight and made a note of
the individual weights of each
fish.
indirect indicators
are measurements of the fish
surrounding environment
Direct indicators
are measured on the fish. In this case,
the farmer is measuring the length of
the fish.

In practice, the welfare Indicators we are using to assess tilapia welfare
are related to the first four domains:
1. Nutrition 3. Health
2. Environment 4. Behavior
TILAPIA WELFARE INDICATORS
ARE RELATED TO THE FIRST FOUR WELFARE DOMAINS:
Nutrition:
Paulo Thara, Brazilian tilapia
farmer storing feeding bags.
One of the 6 nutrition
indicators we score is the
feed amount.
Health:
Checking the eyes condition
during the health assessment.
This is one of the 9 tilapia
health indicators we score.
Environment:
Multi-parameter water sensor
showing oxygen saturation and
water temperature. Temperature
and oxygen are two environment
indicators out of the 10 we score.
Behavior:
Fish swimming near the surface,
some jumping during feeding. One
of the 3 behavioral indicators we
score is the swimming behavior.

The three-score system:
We organize the indicators in four key areas or domains. For each area we score several indicators using a
three-level score system (score 1, 2 and 3).
The higher the score, the greater the deviation from the normal condition.
THE 3-SCORE SYSTEM APPLIED TO THE WELFARE INDICATORS
Score 1
Good
Score 2
Moderate
Score 3
Poor
The normal reference value for
a specific parameter.
Values normally tolerated by
tilapia but are not ideal.
Values that significantly affect the welfare of
tilapia, which can lead to severe suffering
and even death of the animals.

Mortality is one of the nine health indicators
1. Eyes
2. Mouth and Jaws
3. Operculum
4. Gills
5. Fins
6. Spine
7. Skin
8. Ectoparasites
9. Mortality
THE 9 HEALTH INDICATORS

The condition of the eyes is one of the health indicators we are measuring.
In the case of the eyes, a score 1, corresponds to a fish with both eyes healthy and appearing normal, with no signs of injury or disease.
So, score 1 corresponds to a normal fish, while score 2 and 3 correspond to increasing levels of injury, deformity, or disease.
Below is a clear example of how the scores work using the eyes as an example.
THE 3-SCORE SYSTEM APPLIED TO THE EYES
Score 1:
fish has both eyes healthy,
both appear normal, and
there are no signs of injuries,
deformities, or disease.
Score 2:
fish has one of the eyes with
an injury, deformity, or
disease, in this case the fish
has one eye swollen and
some signs of bleeding.
Score 3:
fish has both eyes with an injury,
deformity, or disease.

SCORING THE EYES
Score Eyes description
1 Both eyes look normal and healthy
2 One eye bleeding, swollen or traumatic injury
3
Two eyes bleeding, swollen eyes or traumatic injury; chronic
condition, impaired vision

SCORING THE JAWS AND MOUTH
Score Jaws and mouth description
1 Jaw and mouth appear normal and healthy
2
Jaws shows moderate bleeding, redness, injury or deformity
(without affecting eating behavior)
3
Severe bleeding, redness or injury or deformity (affecting
eating)

SCORING THE OPERCULUM
Score Operculum description
1 Normal and healthy appearance
2 The operculum is missing some tissue less than 25%
3
The operculum shows signs of bleeding, redness or absence
of tissue greater than 25%

SCORING THE FINS
Score Fins description
2 The fins show scar tissue, mild necrosis or splitting.
3
The fins show severe necrosis or bleeding, redness, and some fin
rays are exposed.The fins have ectoparasites or foreign bodies.

SCORING THE SKIN
Score Skin description
2 Localized loss of scales, ulcers or superficial lesions < 1 cm2
3
Rising or general loss of scales, ulcers or superficial lesions > 1 cm2 , redness,
necrosis, darkening, or lightening, bleeding, swelling, or presence of parasites.

SCORING THE GILLS
Score gills description
2
Gills show signs of light injury, mild necrosis, splitting or
thickening
3
Gills show signs of bleeding, redness, paleness, severe necrosis, excess of
mucus, spots, swelling, deformation, adhered foreign body or ectoparasites

SCORING THE SPINE
Score spine description
1 Normal structure
2
Light spine deformity
(kyphosis, lordosis or scoliosis, normal weight)
3
Severe spine deformity
(kyphosis, lordosis or scoliosis, weight loss)

SCORING THE ECTOPARASITES
Score ectoparasites description
1 No infestation
2 Moderate infestation (≤ 5 ectoparasites)
3 Intense infestation (>5 parasites)

SCORING THE MORTALITY
Score Reference values (%)
1 No ≤ 10
2 11 - 25
3 ≥ 26

1. Feed amount
2. Feeding frequency
3. Feed distribution area
4. Crude protein
5. Feed Conversion Ratio
6. Condition factor
THE 6 NUTRITION INDICATORS

The Feed Conversion Ratio is a calculation that tells us how much feed we need to give for the fish to gain
1 kg in weight.
For example, a FCR of 1.5:1 means that the farmer has given 1.5 kg of feed to increase the weight of the
fish by 1.0 kg.
FCR = Amount of feed provided (kg) / biomass gained (kg)
Ideal Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) for tilapias in ponds and cages during grow-out stage
WHAT IS THE FEED CONVERSION RATIO (FCR)?
Ponds Cages
≤ 1.6 ≤ 2

The Body Condition Factor is a calculation that tells us if the fish have a normal weight, are underweight or
are overweight for their size.
To calculate this, we use the length and weight of the fish.
Body condition factor (k) = 100 x (weight [g] / total length [cm]3)
Ideal Condition Factor (K) for tilapias in ponds and cages during the grow-out stage.
WHAT IS THE BODY CONDITION FACTOR (K)?
Ponds Cages
1.6 – 1.9 1.6 – 1.9

The crude protein is a measure of the % protein contained in the feed.
As a rule of thumb, as tilapia grow, the percentage of crude protein needed for optimal growth decreases.
In this module, we are focusing on the grow-out stage and the ideal amount of protein in ponds and cages.
Ideal crude protein % for tilapias in ponds and cages during the grow-out stage.
WHAT IS THE CRUDE PROTEIN?
Ponds Cages
28 – 35 % 32 – 35 %

Nutrition indicators Ponds Cages
Feed amount
(% of biomass/day)
2.0 – 3.0 % 1.5 – 3.0
Feeding frequency
(times/day)
2 - 3 or continuous 3 - 4 or continuous
Feed distribution area
(% of surface area covered)
≥75 % of the surface ≥75 % of the surface
Crude Protein (%) 28 – 35 % 32-35 %
Feed Conversion Ratio
(FCR)
≤ 1.6 ≤ 2
Condition Factor
(K)
1.6 – 1.9 1.6 – 1.9
NUTRITION INDICATORS: NORMAL REFERENCE VALUES
SUMMARY TABLE FOR GROW-OUT

FEED AMOUNT (% OF BIOMASS/DAY)
recommended for tilapias in ponds and cages during the grow-out stage
Score Ponds Cages
1 2.0 - 3.0 1.5 - 3.0
2 1.5 - 1.9 or 3.1 - 5.0 1.0 - 1.4 or 3.1 - 5.0
3 ≤ 1.4 or ≥5.1 ≤ 0.9 or ≥5.1

FEEDING FREQUENCY (TIMES/DAY)
Score Ponds Cages
1 2 - 3 or continuous 3 - 4 or continuous
2 1 1 - 2
3 ≤ 1 ≤ 1

CRUDE PROTEIN (%)
Score Ponds Cages
1 28 - 35 32 - 35
2 25 - 27 24 - 31
3 ≤ 24 or ≥36 ≤ 23 or ≥36

FEED CONVERSION RATIO (FCR)
Score Ponds Cages
1 ≤ 1.6 ≤ 2
2 1.7 – 1.9 2.1 – 2.5
3 ≥ 2.0 ≥ 2.6

THE 10 ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

1. Temperature
2. pH
3. Transparency
4. Oxygen saturation
5. Non-ionized ammonia (NH3)
6. Nitrite (NO2)
7. Alkalinity
8. Photoperiod
9. Terrestrial predators (birds, otter)
10. Non-specific inhabitants (aquatic competitors / predators)
THE 10 ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

Different fish species have different preferences and tolerances for their surrounding environment. Some species are cold
water species and have a low tolerance to warm waters, while for others the opposite is true.
WATER QUALITY
Farmer measuring the water
temperature and oxygen with a
multiparameter sensor in a fish cage.
Multiparameter sensor display
showing water temperature (32.2
°C) and oxygen saturation (7.76
mg/L).
Temperature is only one of the water quality parameters that farmers need to measure and control. Tilapias have
preferences and tolerances to the pH, oxygen saturation, ammonia, and nitrite in the water. The table below shows the
normal or reference values that are ideal for tilapia to grow.

Water quality Optimal levels
Temperature 25 – 32 °C
pH 6.0 - 8.5
Transparency 30 – 40 cm
Oxygen saturation 70 – 95 %
Non-ionized ammonia (NH3) 0.00 - 0.05 mg/L
Nitrite (NO2) 0.00 - 0.50 mg/L
Alkalinity 30 – 100 mg/L
ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS: SUMMARY TABLE

TEMPERATURE (°C)
Water temperature has a huge effect on the lives of the fish, it affects their ability to grow, to feed, and to
reproduce. Different species have different tolerances to temperature -tilapia prefer water temperatures
between 25 and 32 °C.
Temperature Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 25 - 32
2 20 - 24 or 33 - 37
3 ≤ 19 or ≥ 38

PH
pH is a measure of how acidic/alkaline the water is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH of less than 7
indicates acidity, whereas a pH greater than 7 indicates alkalinity. The pH of water is a very important measurement
concerning water quality.
pH Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 6.0 - 8.5
2 5.5 - 5.9 OR 8.6 – 9.0
3 ≤ 5.4 OR ≥ 9.1

TRANSPARENCY (CM)
Transparency of water relates to the depth that light will penetrate water. Water transparency depends on the amount
of particles in the water. Particles can be inorganic (e.g. sediment from erosion) or organic (such as algae,
phytoplankton).The less particles, the more transparent the water.
Transparency Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 41 – 65 cm
2 25 - 40 OR ≥ 66 cm
3 ≤ 24 cm

OXYGEN SATURATION (%)
Dissolved oxygen is necessary for many forms of life including fish, invertebrates, bacteria and plants. Healthy water
should generally have dissolved oxygen concentrations above 6.5-8 mg/L and dissolved oxygen saturation between
about 80-120%.
Oxygen Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 70 – 95 %
2 40 - 69 %
3 ≤ 39 % OR ≥ 96 %

NON-IONISED AMMONIA (NH3)
Ammonia (NH3) is produced by fish respiration and by the decomposition of waste products (excessive organic matter
and excessive feeding). Ammonia is a strong cell poison and can cause damage to the gills at levels as low as 0.25ppm.
Clinical signs include (but are not limited to) increased mucus production, red or bleeding gills, darkening of body
coloration, 'gasping' for air at the surface and increased respiration rate.
NH3 Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 0.00 - 0.05 mg/L
2 0.051 - 0.10 mg/L
3 ≥ 0.11 mg/L

NITRITE (NO2)
Nitrite (NO2) is generated through the oxidation of ammonia by nitrifying bacteria. Nitrite blocks oxygen uptake by the
blood (similar to carbon monoxide poisoning in mammals).
No2 Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 0.00 - 0.50 mg/L
2 0.51 - 1.00 mg/L
3 ≥ 1.01 mg/L

ALKALINITY
Alkalinity is not a chemical in water, but, rather, it is a property of water that is dependent on the presence of certain
chemicals in the water, such as bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides. Alkalinity is the buffering capacity of a water
body; a measure of the ability of the water body to neutralize acids and bases and thus maintain a stable pH level. This
means that water with a high alkalinity will experience less of a change in its own acidity when, for instance, there is
acid rain or an acid spill.'
Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 30 – 100 mg/L
2 20 - 29 OR 101 – 200 mg/L
3 ≤ 19 OR ≥ 201 mg/L

Predators are responsible for 30% of fish losses
If predators can access the pond, cages, or tank, they can eat the fish and cause the loss of 20 to 30% of the production. The presence
of predators is also a stress factor that must be controlled. Even if terrestrial predators, such as birds, can’t access their prey,
the tilapia still feel threatened.
PREDATORS
Native alligator species swimming
in a tilapia pond.
Native bird species flying over
tilapia cages.
Footprints from native feline
near tilapia ponds, probably a
jaguar.

SCORING THE PRESENCE OF PREDATORS
The tables below show the environmental indicator scores for on-farm tilapia welfare evaluation based on predators
and undesired competitors . In this module we will only score tilapias in the grow-out phase. We will be focusing on the
other life stages in theTilapia Environment and Welfare.
Terrestrial predators Score Grow-out and finish ponds (°C)
1 No, they are absent
2 Controlled presence
3 Uncontrolled presence

1. Foraging behavior
2. Swimming behavior
3. Effective stunning
THE 3 BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

SCORING THE FORAGING BEHAVIOR
Tilapia usually take 3 to 6 minutes to eat all feed provided by the farmer. If fish eat quicker or slower, then it can be an
indication that the feed is insufficient or too much. It can also mean that there is something wrong with the fish or the
environment which needs investigating.
Score Grow-out
1 All feed eaten 3 to 6 minutes
2 All feed eaten 2 to 3 minutes
3 All feed eaten < 2 min OR > 6 min

SCORING THE SWIMMING BEHAVIOR
Score Grow-out
1
Normal swimming, no visible dorsal fins or belly on the
water surface
2
Excited swimming behavior, but few fish with dorsal fins or
belly on the water surface
3
Swimming in different directions or decreasing activity, fish
stuck against net, fish floating on their side, body exposed to
air for prolonged periods, exhaustion
Typically, fish swim using their fins and body underwater – the dorsal fin and belly are not visible on the surface.
Deviations from this behavior should be investigated.
The swimming behavior can be observed and scored during feeding and harvest.

SCORING EFFECTIVE STUNNING
Score Grow-out
1
Normal swimming, no visible dorsal fins or belly on the water surface
Instantaneous loss of EQ,TGR, OB andVER
2 Instantaneous loss of EQ and TGR, progressive loss of OB andVER in ≤ 30s
3 Progressive loss of EQ,TGR,VER and BO in ≥ 31s
• Opercular Beat (OB) is the simplest way to estimate respiratory rate, by counting the opercular movement, which is directly
proportional to the level of consciousness.
• Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) is measured by the Visual Evoked Response (VER) or “rolling of the eyes,” which is the
movement of the eyes when the fish's body is rolled from side to side on the vertical axis.
• Equilibrium (EQ) is assessed by the position of the fish and its ability to swim when placed in the water.
• Tail Grib Reflex (TGR) is the technique of grabbing the animal's tail to check if the fish tries to escape, being an effective way to
assess the fish's ability to interact with the external environment.

TILAPIA WELFARE NUTRITION-EGYPT

THE THREE FEEDING CHALLENGES
1. What to eat?
2. When to eat?
3. How much to eat?
Some fish are bolder and will eat more, while others are shy and will eat less.
✓ Proactive fish: eat faster and are not affected much after acute stress.
✓ Reactive fish: have more difficulty getting food and reduce or temporarily stop feeding in a stressful situation.
Tilapia natural food includes:
• Phytoplankton (microalgae)
• Zooplankton (microscopic animals)
• Algae and aquatic plants
• Aquatic insects
• Small benthic invertebrates (bottom-dwelling animals)
• Detritus (decaying organic material)
• Tilapia fry can also eat fish larvae

THE ROLE OF FEEDING AND NUTRITION IN FISH WELFARE
1. Why proper nutrition matters?
2. What impacts fish growth?
3. How to select the right feed?
Proper nutrition is good for the fish:
1. Strengthens the immune system and helps fish resist diseases and parasites
2. Reduces fish competition for food, aggressive behavior, and prevents skin and fin injuries
3. Promotes growth and more efficient feed conversion
4. Increases fish tolerance to handling and transport
5. Improves fish reproductive performance
6. Improves the quality of the post-larvae in the rearing facilities
Prevents poor
water quality events
Optimizes turnover and profit
for the farmer
Improves the meat quality Increases the meat yield

THE KEY FACTORS THAT IMPACT FISH GROWTH
Food
The food must contain the essential
nutrients in sufficient quantities and
proportions to provide a nutritious
balanced diet. A nutritionally balanced
diet maintains normal body function and
increases the fish's resistance to disease.
The feed also needs to be the right size.
Temperature
The water temperature must be
adequate, for tilapia the water should be
around 25 to 32°C.
Oxygen
The Oxygen dissolved in the water must
be sufficient. Ideal concentrations of
dissolved oxygen (DO) for tilapia in
water at 25°C are between 70-95%,
equivalent to about 5.8 to 7.8 mg/L.

WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF FEEDING TOO MUCH FOOD TO
THE FISH, TO THE WATER QUALITY AND TO THE FARMER?
to the Fish
Poor welfare
Poor health
Stress increases
Immunity response decrease
Diseases increase
To the water quality
Poor water quality
Excess of organic matter
Oxygen level decreases
To the farmer
Production costs increases
Feed is wasted
Mortality may increase
Disease management costs may increase

WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF FEEDING TOO LITTLE FOOD TO
THE FISH, TO THE WATER QUALITY AND TO THE FARMER?
to the Fish
Growth decreases
Development decreases
Malformations can appear
To the water quality
Minimal or no impact if there are no
mass mortalities
To the farmer
Production costs may increase
Fish take longer to reach commercial size
More fish may have to be rejected due to malformations

TO ACCOMMODATE FOR BOTH FISH AND FARMER NEEDS, THE FARMER MUST
MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THE ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
1. Does the feed composition match my fish diet needs?
2. Is the size of the pellets appropriate to the size of my fish?
3. How many fish do I have to feed?
4. How much food do my fish need?
5. When is the best time of the day to feed my fish?
6. What is the best method to feed my fish?
7. How to best store the feed?
8. For how long can I store the feed?

THERE ARE 5 NUTRIENTS IN FOOD
For tilapia to live, grow and reproduce they need to break down the food they eat, absorb the nutrients contained in the
food and get the energy necessary to swim, breathe, excrete, grow, and reproduce.
The 5 nutrients in food are:
1. Proteins
2. Lipids
3. Carbohydrates
4. Minerals
5. Vitamins
Fish are more efficient at using energy than birds or mammals. Most fish do not need to spend energy to control their
body temperature (therefore fish are also called ectothermic or cold-blooded animals).
When the water temperature drops below the optimal levels for the species, the fish:
1. metabolism decreases
2. take in less food
3. get less energy
4. use less energy
5. grow less

1. PROTEINS
All nutrients are essential for fish, but proteins are those that most often receive attention from fish farmers - they are
the most expensive ingredient in the feed and impact directly fish growth.
Fish uses proteins to build and regenerate most of their tissues:
1. Muscles
2. Skin
3. Cartilage
4. Blood
5. Nerves
Is more protein always better?
No, more protein in the diet is not always better! In aquaculture, the rule is that the best food for a fish is the one that
most closely matches its body composition. Tilapia has a high protein content, which is why tilapia is a highly prized
product for human consumption.

THE 10 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
There are many different proteins, and all proteins are made of 20 different amino acids. Imagine a protein like a wall
made of bricks.The wall is the protein, and the bricks are the amino acids.There are 20 different types of bricks, some
bigger than others. Some walls are also bigger than others.
The ten essential amino acids:
Amino Acid Abbreviation
1. Arginine Arg
2. Lysine Lys
3. Histidine His
4. Threonine Thr
5. Valine Val
6. Leucine Leu
7. Isoleucine Iso
8. Methionine Met
9. Phenylalanine Phe
10. Tryptophan Try

2. LIPIDS
As in humans, lipids (fats and oils) are an important source of energy in the diet. However, in excess they increase the
amount of visceral fat in tilapia.
Lipids are:
1. Part of the cell membranes of fish.
2. Found in hormones and enzymes.
3. Involved in the formation of red blood cells.
4. Involved in the production of antibodies.
5. Involved in the production of important hormones.

3. CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are the least studied nutrients in fish food. Tilapia use both carbohydrates and lipids for energy. The
protein in the diet is mainly used for growth.
Carbohydrates are cheaper than fats, as a source of energy.
This is why corn is the most used ingredient as a source of both carbohydrates and energy.
The Cheaper Source of Energy

4. MINERALS
At least twenty-one minerals are vital for fish, and some, such as calcium, can be absorbed directly from the water.
However, most minerals and vitamins must be absorbed through natural foods and feeds.
Minerals are divided into two groups:
Macro elements
1. Calcium Ca
2. Magnesium Mg
3. Sodium Na
4. Potassium K
5. Phosphorus P
6. Chlorine Cl
7. Sulphur S
Micro elements
1. Iron Fe
2. Zinc Zn
3. Manganese Mn
4. Copper Cu
5. Iodine I
6. Nickel Ni
7. Fluorine Fl
8. Vanadium V
9. Chromium Cr
10. Molybdenum Mo
11. Selenium Se
12. Strontium Sr
13. Silica Si

4. MINERALS
Fish need minerals for:
1. Their immune system, to cope with stress and resist disease.
2. The formation of bones, teeth, and muscles.
3. The transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
4. The pH balance of the blood.
5. The structure of enzymes, vitamins, hormones and even proteins and lipids.

5. VITAMINS
Vitamins are organic compounds found in tiny amounts in the body but are essential for the growth, reproduction and
health of fish and all animals. Since animals do not produce most vitamins themselves, they must be supplied through the
diet.

TILAPIA NUTRIENT NEEDS
The basic nutrient needs of tilapia vary with the life stage, and breeding cycle.
Tilapia larvae Tilapia adults

% Post Larvae Fry Juveniles
Crude Protein 45-60 35-40 30-35
Carbs <25 Not Known 25-30
Total Lipids 5-8 5-8 Not Known
Fatty acids ꞷ-6 0.5-1 0.5-1 0.5-1
Fatty acids ꞷ-3
0.5-1 0.5-1 0.5-1

% Broadstocks Adults
Crude Protein 30-35 30-35
Carbs 25-30 Not Known
Total Lipids Not Known 8-10
Fatty acids ꞷ-6 0.5-1 0.5-1
Fatty acids ꞷ-3 0.5-1 0.5-1

Fish size range (g) Pellet size (mm)
Nursery
0 - 1
1 - 5
<0.5
0.8 - 1.7
Pre-growth
5 - 30
30 - 200
2 - 3
3 - 4
Growth
200 - 600
600 - 1000
1000 - 2000
4 - 5
5 - 6
6 - 8
A high-quality feed must:
1. Be nutritious - provide all nutrients in the right proportions.
2. Have the right size - adequate granulometry.
3. Have the appropriate texture.
4. Be tasty – palatable.
5. Be stable in water – doesn’t immediately dissolve and diffuse in water, losing valuable nutrients.

MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE A STORAGE ROOM WITH
THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS
1. Dry: the storage room must always be dry to avoid oxidation of fats and the growth of fungi in the fodder.
2. Waterproof walls.
3. Waterproof floor.
4. Good ventilation.
5. Good lighting.
6. No direct sunlight.
7. No rodents.
8. No insects.

FEEDING METHODS, TIPS AND TRICKS
1. Manual Method
The quantity and feeding times are controlled by the farmer and delivered by the farmer.
2. Automatic Method
The quantity and feeding times are controlled by the farmer but delivered by an automatic machine.
3. OnDemand Method
Mechanic system, the quantity and feeding times controlled by the fish.

THE AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY OF TILAPIA FEEDING DECREASES
WITH INCREASING FISH SIZE.
Weight Feeding frequency (times/day)
Post-larvae 5 - 8
1 - 5 g 4 - 6
5 - 200 g 3 - 5
200 - 2000 g 1 - 4

FASTING
When to fast the fish
Fasting is common in aquaculture and promotes gut emptying, reducing oxygen demand and waste production in the water.
Fasting is recommended before three key events:
Harvest Slaughter
Transport
How long does it take for tilapia to empty out their entire digestive content at medium temperatures (26ºC)?
- It takes 13 to 14 h for tilapia to empty out their entire digestive content at medium temperatures (26ºC).

THE BIOMETRIC SURVEY
In the biometric survey the farmer weighs and measures a sample of fish
Why are these measurements important?
The weight and total lengths allow us to calculate the Body Condition Factor (K) and the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and
adjust the amount of feed given to the fish.
Measuring
Weighing
How many fish should we sample for the biometric survey?
You should always sample a minimum of 30 fish or 5% of the biomass in the pond, cage or tank.

WHAT IS THE K FACTOR FOR THE FISH FROM THE GOOD LUCK FARM?
The table below shows the length and weight of fish measured in two fish farms.What is the K factor for the fish from the
good luck farm?
Use the formula:
Body condition factor (k) = 100 x (weight [g] / total length [cm]3)
Good Luck Farm
Weight: 60.9 g Length: 15.1 cm K Factor: ???
Sunny Side Farm
Weight: 140 g Length: 19 cm K Factor: 2.04
Answer:
Good luck farm = 100 x 60.9 g / 15.1^3 = 6090 / 3442.951 = 1.77
Sunny side farm = 100 x 140 / 19^3 = 14000 / 6859 = 2.04
The (K) factor seems to vary with the fish development stage, feeding and farm system.

THE IDEAL AMOUNT OF FEED, FEED SIZE, FEEDING FREQUENCY AND FCR
DEPEND ON THE FISH SIZE
Fish weight (g) Up to 0.5 g 0.5 - 5 g 5 - 20 g 20 - 200 g
Crude protein (%) 40 - 50 40 - 45 35 - 40 32 - 35
Feed size (mm) <0.5 0.5 - 1.0 2.0 - 3.0 3.0 - 4.0
Feed amount
(% biomass/day)
15 - 30 10 - 15 6 - 8 4 - 6
Feeding frequency
(times/day)
6 - 8 5 - 6 3 - 4 2 - 3
Feed Conversion
Ratio (FCR)
0.8 - 1.0 0.8 - 1.0 0.8 - 1.0 1.0 - 1.3

1. FEEDING FREQUENCY (TIMES/DAY)
The tables below provide the criteria to score tilapia at different life stages. If you are using the app you won't need to
memorize this, or even use the tables. You will only need to record the number of times you are feeding the fish of a
certain size.The app will then tell you the corresponding score.
Score
Hatchery/Broodstock
Feeding frequency (times/day)
1 Once a day
2 Twice / day or every other day
3 Every other day or twice per day
Hatchery/Broodstock

The juveniles feeding frequency score is based on the weight of the fish.
The numbers correspond to times per day, example: juveniles weighing 15 g fed 2 times per day have a score of 2.
Score
Weight 0.5 - 5g
Weight 5 - 20g
1 ≥5 ≥3
2 3 - 4 2
3 ≤ 2 1 Juveniles (0.5 to 20g)
feeding frequency

Score
Grow out and fish-ponds
1 2 - 3 or continuous
2 1
3 ≤ 1 Grow out and fish-ponds

Score
Grow out and fish cages
1 3 - 4 or continuous
2 1 - 2
3 ≤ 1 Grow out and fish cages

2. FEED AMOUNT
Scoring the Feed Amount (% of biomass/day)
Hatchery/Broodstock
Score
Hatchery/Broodstock
Feed Amount (% of biomass/day)
1 3.0 - 5.0
2 1.5 - 2.9
3 ≤ 1.4 or ≥ 5.1

2. FEED AMOUNT
Juveniles (0.5 to 20g)
Score
0.5 - 5g Feed Amount
(% of biomass/day)
5 - 20g Feed Amount
(% of biomass/day)
1 8.5 - 16.5 5.2 - 8.8
2 7.8 or 16.5 - 18 4.4 - 5.2 or 8.8 - 9.6
3 < 7 or > 18 < 4.4 or > 9.6

2. FEED AMOUNT
Score
1 2.0 - 3.0
2 1.5 - 1.9 or 3.1 - 5.0
3 ≤ 1.4 or ≥ 5.1

2. FEED AMOUNT
Score
1 1.5 - 3.0
2 1.0 - 1.4 or 3. 1- 5.0
3 ≤ 0.9 or ≥ 5.1

3. FEED DISTRIBUTION
Scoring the Feed Distribution Area (% of the water surface area covered)
Hatchery/Broodstock
Score
Hatchery/Broodstock
(% of the water surface area covered)
1 ≥75 % of the surface covered
2 50-74% of the surface covered
3 ≤49% of the surface covered

Juveniles (2g)
Score
Nursery/Juveniles 2g

Score

4. CRUDE PROTEIN
Scoring the Crude Protein (%)
Hatchery/Broodstock
Score
Hatchery/Broodstock
Crude protein (%)
1 32 - 40%
2 28 - 31% or 41 - 45%
3 ≤ 27% or ≥ 46%

4. CRUDE PROTEIN
Juveniles (0.5 - 20g)
Score
0.5 - 5g
Crude protein (%)
5 - 20g
Crude protein (%)
1 Data not available Data not available
2 31-35.5% or 49.5-54% 27 - 31% or 44 - 48%
3 < 31% or > 54% < 27% or > 48%

4. CRUDE PROTEIN
Score
Crude protein (%)
1 28 - 35%
2 25 - 27%
3 ≤ 24% or ≥36%

4. CRUDE PROTEIN
Score
Crude protein (%)
1 32 - 35%
2 24 - 31%
3 ≤ 23% or ≥ 36%

5. CONDITION FACTOR
Scoring the Condition factor (K)
Body condition factor (k) = (100 x (weight [g] / total length [cm]3))
Score
Condition factor (K)
1 1.6 - 1.9
2 1.1 - 1.5 or 2.0 - 2.3
3 ≤ 1.0 or ≥ 2.4

5. CONDITION FACTOR
Score
Condition factor (K)
1 1.6 - 1.9
2 1.1 - 1.5 or 2.0 - 2.3
3 ≤ 1.0 or ≥ 2.4
Scoring the Condition factor (K)
Body condition factor (k) = (100 x (weight [g] / total length [cm]3))

6. FEED CONVERSION RATIO
Scoring the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
Score
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
1 0.7 - 1.1
2 0.6 - 0.7 or 1.1 - 1.2
3 < 0.6 or > 1.2

Score
1 ≤ 1.6
2 1.7 – 1.9
3 ≥ 2.0

Score
1 ≤ 2
2 2.1 – 2.5
3 ≥ 2.6

TILAPIA ARE NOW FARMED IN A VARIETY OF HUSBANDRY SYSTEMS:
1. Cages
2. Bio flocs
3. RAS (Recirculatory Aquaculture System)
4. Raceways
5. IPRS (In-pond Raceway System)
6. Aquaponics
7. Ponds

WATER QUALITY IN TILAPIA CULTURE
Temperature
Tilapia are tropical fish that prefer higher temperatures between 25 and 32 o
C.
What does it mean to be an ectotherm?
For tilapia and other fish, being an ectotherm means that the higher the water temperature (within the limits of
comfort for each species), the more intense respiration, digestion, nutrient uptake, and excretion (that is, all
metabolic activities) will be.
When temperature increases, this means that the fish will:
1. Eat more
2. Need more oxygen to breath
3. Release more feces into the water
4. Release more carbon dioxide into the water
5. Grow more in less time, this means the growth rate increases

Temperature
Tilapia are tropical fish that prefer higher temperatures between 25 and 32 o
C
How to measure the water temperature?
Use a thermometer
Thermometers are very cheap. Dip
the thermometer into the water,
wait a few seconds and read the
values while the thermometer is still
submerged and record the results in
a table. This method will only allow
you to measure the temperature at
the surface.
Use an oximeter
The easiest way to measure
temperature at different depths is to
use an oximeter, which measures
temperature and oxygen. Oximeters
can be bought with several meter
cables which should be enough to
measure oxygen at different
temperatures.
van Dorn bottle
Use a van Dorn bottle to sample the
water at different depths and then
measure the temperature. A van Dorn
bottle is a special bottle that opens to
collect the water at a specific depth
and then closes before it is lifted to
reach the surface. Once the water has
been collected at the desired depth,
the temperature is immediately
measured with a thermometer and
the result is recorded in a table.

Dissolved Oxygen
The ideal concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) for tilapia is between 70-95%
(equivalent to about 5.8 to 7.8 mg/L in water at 25 o
C DO).
When the concentration of dissolved oxygen reaches 45 to 50% of saturation (about 3 to 3.5 mg/L at 28-30
o
C),
tilapia start to reduce their basic activities such as feeding and growth to conserve oxygen. This is why you should
never feed tilapia when the oxygen is around 3 mg/L.
Oxygen saturation below 39% and above 96% is dangerous for tilapia.
Diagram showing a pond with plants at the surface, wind blowing,
and decomposition at the bottom. At the surface and above the
thermocline there is 100% oxygen saturation. But only 60% saturation below the thermocline.

THANK TO
Barrento, M. Quintiliano, M. 2024.
How to improve and assess tilapia welfare: train the trainers online course.
[E-Learning] FAI Academy
Click to follow the link
https://fai.academy/aquaculture/welfare-in-tilapia-production-guideline-series/

Training Of Trainers FAI Eng. Basel Tilapia Welfare.pdf

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