Fishmeal partial replacement using duckweed (Lemna minor) enhances growth performance and body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) L.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles were fed experimental diets with duckweed (Lemna minor) supplementing fish meal at 0% (LM0), 5% (LM5), and 15% (LM15) and compared to a commercial diet as a positive control (COMM). Growth performance, feed utilization, and body composition were evaluated and compared with the control diet. The final weight and specific growth rate were significantly higher in the fish fed the commercial diet and in LM15 when compared to LM0 (P < 0.05). The fish could utilize the L. minor-based feed although the feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in fish fed the LM15 and COMM diets than the other diets (P < 0.05). Fish body composition was significantly affected by L. minor-based diets. Protein content was significantly higher in fish fed on control diet and diet LM10 (P < 0.05) compared with other diets. In contrast, lipid content was significantly higher in fish fed L. minor -based diets than in the control, with LM15 having the highest levels (P < 0.05). Partial replacement of fish meal with L. minor at 15% in the diet of O. niloticus is therefore recommended because it enhances growth performance, improves feed utilization, and increases the lipid content in O. niloticus.