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¹ CSIR-Water Research Institute, Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDEC), Akosombo, Ghana.
² CSIR College of Science and Technology, Department of Fisheries Science and Aquaculture, Accra, Ghana. DOI : 10.4194/AFS365 - The length-weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K) and nutritional value (NV) of a fish species are some indicators used to assess its state of healthiness. The state of healthiness of three (3) groups of Nile tilapia, Orochromis niloticus fingerlings fed separately with commercial feeds of tilapia, catfish and their equal combination for 77 days in hapa-in-pond systems was assessed by comparing their LWRs, Ks and NVs. At the end of the feeding period, the total lengths (TLs) and the weights (Ws) of the various fish groups were recorded. The K was determined by carrying out a linear regression analyses on a log transformed LWR equation whilst proximate analyses of sample fish flesh were used to determine the NV. The recorded K was 3.0 for each fish group whilst the NVs and the gross energy (GE) contents of their flesh were comparable (ANOVA, P>0.05). The crude fat contents of all fish groups were less than 5.0%, suggesting lean fish flesh. The findings of the study suggest that O. niloticus under culture may be fed with a tilapia feed, a catfish feed or their equal combination since they have similar effects on the LWR, K and NV of the fish. Keywords : Crude fat, Fish feed, Gross energy, Lean fish flesh, Proximate analyses