The aquaculture industry faces significant challenges due to the high cost of fish feeds, primarily driven by the increasing demand for fishmeal. This study explores the viability of using white melon seeds as an alternative to fishmeal in the diets of juvenile Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus). White melon seeds, recognized for their high protein content, align well with the dietary protein requirements of juvenile Nile tilapia (32-38%) and offer a promising solution to reduce aquaculture feed costs while maintaining nutritional adequacy. This study investigates the use of white melon seeds as an alternative ingredient to replace fishmeal partially or fully in juvenile Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) diets. The research focused on assessing the effects of white melon seed on the physical characteristics and digestibility of juvenile Nile tilapia feed .
Experiments involved formulating three different diets with white melon seed inclusion levels at 3.75 %, 7.5 %, and 15 %, compared against a commercial feed (38%) . These diets were tested over eight hours for floatability, expansion ratio, and bulk density. The results showed that all white melon seed-inclusive diets maintained high levels of floatability (>82%), with significant variations in physical properties observed across different inclusion levels . The apparent digestibility of protein, ash, and dry matter in these diets was also evaluated, demonstrating high digestibility rates (>90%) for all components, except for ash which was 88% in diet 1.
The results indicated that incorporating white melon seed into fish diets presents a promising approach to improving feed characteristics and reducing costs in aquaculture. The study highlights the potential benefits of white melon seed as a sustainable feed ingredient, contributing to the economic viability and environmental sustainability of fish farming practices.
Keywords: Aquaculture, Sustainability , Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus , White melon seed , Digestibility.