Abstract

A survey was conducted to obtain up-to-date information and create a knowledge base on pond fish farming, local feed ingredients, and their nutritive properties in Rwanda. Sixty-seven pond-farms were randomly sampled from a population of 112 countrywide. Semi-intensive was the dominant (81%) farming-system and three fish species were cultured: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and North African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Tilapia was the most commonly farmed species, and >50% of pond-farms were located in Northern and Southern provinces. There were 1-3 hatcheries per province, all producing tilapia. In total, 31 feed ingredients were identified, with rice, wheat, and maize bran being most commonly used. Feed analysis revealed high protein content (>350 g kg(-1) CP) in local fishmeal, chicken viscera, and spent brewer's yeast. Local ingredients and potential novel-feeds need further investigation prior to their confident use in fish diets to improve aquaculture at a low-cost in Rwanda.

Keywords

Fish farming; pond-aquaculture; local feed ingredients; semi-intensive farming system; survey; Rwanda

Published in

Journal of Applied Aquaculture
2023, Volume: 35, number: 3, pages: 743-764

SLU Authors

• Niyibizi, Leon

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • College of Agriculture, Animal Science & Vet medicine

• Vidakovic, Aleksandar

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Norman Haldén, Anna

  • Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Lundh, Torbjörn

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


UKÄ Subject classification

Fish and Aquacultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10454438.2021.2024315

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/115200