Abstract—Groups of ten Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings (average weight in grams 8 ± 0.07, were randomly stocked in plastic circular tanks (water volume 70 L). Each group (tank) of fish was randomly assigned a water velocity level. Six water velocity levels includes 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 cm/sec. were used in triplicate. Tanks were part of a semi-closed water recirculation system. Fish were fed a commercial tilapia feed for eight weeks. At the conclusion of the trial, final weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ration and the fillet percentages were gradually improved with increasing water velocity levels up to 35 cm/sec. followed by gradual decrease of the growth parameters. Tilapia body composition was affected by water velocity levels. Body fat was gradually reduced and body moisture and proteins was gradually increased with increasing the level of water velocity. Under the reported conditions Exposing tilapia to forced exercise al a level 35 cm/sec of water current improves growth parameters.

Index Terms—water velocity, tilapia, growth, body composition

Cite: Ibrahim E. H. Belal, "Effect of Water Velocity on Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus Fingerlings Growth Parameters and Body Composition," Journal of Medical and Bioengineering, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 457-460, December 2015. Doi: 10.12720/jomb.4.6.457-460