Phaseolus vulgaris BEAN BYPRODUCT MEAL IN DIETS FOR JUVENILE NILE TILAPIA

The search for alternative protein sources in fish diets is necessary because of the wide variation in the price and availability of some traditional protein ingredients. An experiment lasting 45 days was conducted in a water recirculation system of juvenile Nile tilapia (initial weight of 16.2 +/- 0.1 g) to evaluate the effects of inclusion of Phaseolus vulgaris bean byproduct meal on productivity indices and body composition. In a completely randomized design (n=4), three isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) and isocaloric (3,100 kcal/kg of digestible energy) diets were prepared to include 0%, 6.2% and 12.4% bean byproduct meal as substitute of 0%, 10% and 20% soybean meal crude protein. Final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio or survival did not differ (P>0.05) between fish fed the experimental diets. No difference (P>0.05) in body crude protein, ash or ether extract content was observed between groups. The productive value of body crude protein and dry matter decreased (P<0.05) in fish fed 12.4% bean byproduct meal. The inclusion of bean byproduct meal up to 6.2% as a substitute of soybean meal does not reduce the productive performance or body composition of fish.