Growth performance and economic benefit of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and chinese cabbage (Brassica rapachinensis) in aquaculture integration

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (MNRSA) OF SOKOINE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE. MOROGORO, TANZANIA.

A study carried out to evaluate the growth performance and economic benefit of Nile tilapia and Chinese cabbage under integration system. Nine ponds and twelve vegetable plots were used. Three ponds treated with feed only (T1), another three ponds with chicken manure only (T2) and the last three ponds with chicken manure and supplementary feed (T3). Fish with an average weight of 1.2 g were stocked at rate of 5 fingrlings/m2 in each pond. Fish were fed at 5% of their body weight and the ponds were fertilized at rate of 30 kg/pond at interval of two weeks. Three plots irrigated with water from (T1), another three plots with water from (T2) and last three plots with water from (T3). Control plots irrigated with water from stream. Growth performance of fish was monitored by measuring fish body weight and Chinese cabbage by measuring diameter, length of leaves and counting the number of leaves. Cost benefit analysis was conducted at the end of experiment using data of revenue, fixed cost and variable cost. The experiment lasted for 6 months. Growth performance of fish and Chinese cabbage were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed that there was significant difference (ANOVA, p<0.05) on growth performance of Nile tilapia among the treatments. Ponds received manure and supplementary feed had twice as much yield compared to ponds received feed and manure only. Vegetable plots irrigated from fish ponds had significantly higher leave diameter, length, number of leaves and yield compared to those irrigated with stream water (p<0.05). Economic benefit analysis showed higher net profit for ponds received manure with supplementary feed while ponds with manure only contribute to higher benefit cost ratio. This study confirms the contribution of integrated agro-aquaculture in farm productivity and income.