Evaluation of Feed Conversion Ratios Under Climate-Adjusted Feeding Protocols for Tilapia in Plateau State

This study evaluated the impact of climate-adjusted feeding protocols on feed conversion ratios (FCR) and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in fish ponds in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Plateau State experiences cooler temperatures than most Nigerian aquaculture production areas, and the metabolic implications of lower ambient temperatures for fish feed utilisation remain underappreciated by local farmers. A controlled feeding experiment was designed around three temperature-adapted feeding regimes: a standard fixed ration regime, a temperature-adjusted variable ration regime, and a demand feeder regime. Fish were monitored across 18 ponds over a 14-week period, with water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and growth parameters recorded bi-weekly. Results showed that the temperature-adjusted variable ration regime produced the best FCR of 1.59, compared to 1.92 for the standard regime and 1.74 for the demand feeder approach. During weeks when temperature fell below 22 degrees Celsius, FCR deteriorated significantly in standard ration ponds but remained stable in temperature-adjusted ponds due to reduced ration delivery aligned with reduced metabolic demand. Protein efficiency ratio was highest in the temperature-adjusted regime. Total feed cost per kilogram of fish produced was 19 percent lower in the temperature-adjusted regime compared to the standard approach. The study recommends that tilapia farmers in Plateau State adopt temperature-aware feeding management through the use of low-cost pond thermometers and standardised adjustment tables, and that state extension services incorporate temperature-adjusted feeding protocols into advisory materials. Keywords: feed conversion ratio, temperature-adjusted feeding, tilapia, aquaculture management, Plateau State