Attempting to Optimize Nile Tilapia Growth Using Indigenous Crop-Based Feeds in Cooled Geothermal Groundwater Breeding Systems for Sustainable Aquaculture

Background: In light of the growing global population, estimated to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the aquaculture sector faces an increasingly urgent challenge to meet the escalating demand for high-quality protein sources. Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L., 1758) is a pivotal candidate in the realm of aquaculture due to its adaptability, rapid growth, and excellent nutritional attributes. To achieve sustainable aquaculture expansion, it is imperative to develop efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective aquafeeds. Methodology: This study was carried out at the National Institute of Marine Science and Technology’s experimental center in Béchima, Tunisia. The experiment involved the selection of male O. niloticus fry. Three distinct isoprotein and isoenergetic feeds were meticulously formulated, substituting conventional feed ingredients with alternative sources such as rapeseed meal, durum wheat, and field beans, while assessing the economic implications of these novel formulations. These feeds were designed to meet the essential dietary requirements for optimal fish growth. The study rigorously assessed various zootechnical parameters to gauge the performance of the fish under different feed formulations. Results and Conclusion: The results indicated that tilapia fed with the rapeseed-based feed exhibited remarkable growth performance, characterized by higher growth rates, elevated survival rates, and enhanced conversion rates. Within 80 days of rearing, these fish achieved an impressive average weight of 108.71 ± 5.55 g. In contrast, fish fed with the faba bean-based feed displayed suboptimal performance across multiple parameters. These findings highlight the pivotal role of feed formulation in bolstering the sustainability and productivity of aquaculture. This research significantly contributes to the ongoing endeavor to optimize aquafeeds, fostering food security and economic viability in aquaculture.