The influence of feed protein intake on tilapia ammonia production

Biological filters designed to remove toxic ammonia excreted as fish wastes are an integral part of any recirculating aquacultural system. The quantity of ammonia excreted by fish is related to the quantity of nitrogen supplied by the protein contained in feed. This experiment evaluated short term Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) production by juvenile tilapia fed rations with six different protein contents. Five feeds composed using soybean meal as their protein source and one feed deriving most of its protein content from fish meal were tested. Statistically significant increases (P < 0.10) in TAN production were observed as protein content increased during the: 24 h period following feeding. Fish meal and soybean meal did not produce statistically different TAN production rates. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.