Growth performance of improved (EXCEL) and a non-improved strains of oreochromis niloticus fry in a recirculating tank system in the UAE

EXCEL is a new breed of O. niloticus developed by combining improved within family selection and rotational mating. A study was carried out to investigate early growth performance in an indoor recirculating aquaculture facility. The first study compared average body weight (ABW), average daily growth rate (ADGR), survival and food conversion efficiency (FCR) of first generation fry of imported EXCEL and non improved O. niloticus (NS) fry over an initial nursery stage from swim-up to 5.0 g (56 days, test 1) and a second nursery stage from ~3 to 15 g (28 days, test 2). ABW and ADGR of EXCEL fry was 4-5 times that of non improved tilapia during the first 56 days, which advantage was maintained over the second nursery stage also. In addition, FCR was lower in EXCEL compared with NS.