Bangus Bones for Tilapia Feed
Conducted by Dan Clark Rosario, May Ann Catabay, and Efren Soy under the guidance of Dr. Rosie Abalos, the experiment was set up for 62 days at the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City. They used 360 fingerlings of Molobicus saline tilapia.
Results of the study showed that tilapia given feeds containing 20 to 25 percent processed bangus bones and spines had better survival and growth rate than those fed with 100 percent commercial feed. In effect, inclusion of processed bangus bones and spines in the commercial feed formulation might lessen the cost of feeds.
To process the bones and spines, the students had these boiled and then pulverized. The experimental feed did not affect the quality of water in the pond. Proximate analysis of the processed bangus bones and spines showed that the feed contains 34.5 percent crude protein, 25.7 percent crude fat, 28.6 percent ash, 5.6 percent moisture. The proximate analysis was done at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
Abalos said results of the study would not only benefit tilapia raisers but also processors involved in making deboned bangus. Her students added that with the increasing popularity of deboned bangus in the domestic and export markets, processors may also get additional income from the sale of bones and spines even if these are sold at a low price.