Economic Viability of Tilapia (BFAR IExcel Strain) Cultured in HDPE-Lines Small Farm Reservoir (SFR) Under Guimaras, Philippines Condition.

Abstract

The study was conducted to look into the economic viability of Tilapia in Small Farm Reservoir (SFR) with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lining as this strategy eliminates other basic steps in pond preparation and input application. A Small Farm Reservoir lined with HDPE and 500 m³ was used as a culture pond for Tilapia. A total of 2,500 good quality Hybrid Tilapia fingerlings (BFAR IExcel) size 15 from BFAR hatchery was stocked in the pond. Water quality monitoring was done at a 7-day interval.  A feeding guide was used based on the fish's body weight after sampling. Sampling was done every 15 days to compute the feeding requirements and the development of fish. The ABL of Tilapia during stocking was 8.5cm; ABW 15g; total biomass 37.5kg; and initially fed with 1.88kg per day. . Within the 120-day culture period of Tilapia in HDPE-lined SFR, the ABL reached up to 22.35cm; ABW 250.0g; average total weight gained of 245.0g; total biomass 560kg; total feed consumed 941.22 kg or 13.44bags; FCR 1.68; survival rate 89.6%; and a total harvested stocks of 2,240. The pH level of the pond in the entire culture period of Tilapia was slightly acidic, ranging from 6.5-6.8, but had a favorable temperature and DO level. Tilapia cultured under HDPE-lined SFR appeared to have good growth performance. The present study is commensurate to economically viable technology wherein the farmer could gain income while conserving and preserving water sources for other agricultural use.