Resumo

BOSCOLO, Wilson Rogério et al. Starch inclusion in the Nilo tilapia larvae diet. R. Bras. Zootec. [online]. 2008, vol.37, n.2, pp. 177-180. ISSN 1806-9290.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1516-35982008000200001.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the different levels of starch inclusion in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) larvae diets. Three hundred and seventy-five larvae averaging initial weight of 8.02 ± 2.11 mg were allotted to 25 30 L-aquariums, as a completely experimental randomized design, with five treatments and five replications. The diets were formulated to contain the inclusion levels of 0: 2.5: 5: 7.5 and 10% of starch, with 3,500 kcal DE/kg and 38.6% digestible protein. The fishes were fed ad libitum, five times a day. No differences were observed on final weight, weight gain, condition factor and the fishes survival fed diets with starch and control treatment. Starch can be included up to 10% for Nile tilapia larvae as energy source, without effect on fish performance.

Palavras-chave : Oreochromis niloticus; performance; starch levels; survival; tilapia.