Journal of Environmental Education Research and

Sustainable Development

 

(JEERESD)

 

Publication Information

 

 

 

The Journal of Environmental Education Research and Sustainable Development

 

Email address: yannekangoe@gmail.com

Institut des Sciences Halieutique, Nkam, Yabassi, Cameroun

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15089433 

Received 06. Dec 24; revised 26. Dec 24 form; Accepted 12. feb 25; Available online: 27 Mar 25.

© 2025 The Authors. Published by EcoClean Environment Company. This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/CC BY 4.0/).

 

 

Published by EcoClean Environment Company

Control of reproduction in juvenile Oreochromis niloticus using Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbonaceae) powder

 

EKANGO EPANDE Yannick1, MOUKORY EBOA Félix Aurélien1, NGALLE Fen Josué Raymond1, ASSENG Gabriel Arnaud1, ESSENDJE MBELLA Sariette1

 

Institute of Fisheries Sciences, Nkam, Yabassi, Cameroon

 

Abstract

Context: Aquaculture represents a significant share of the Cameroonian economy, with an annual production of 5,000 tons of Nile tilapia (MINEPIA 2020). However, challenges related to fish reproduction and growth still limit the potential of this industry. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adding Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder to the diet of juvenile Nile tilapia on their growth and reproductive parameters. Methodology: The study was conducted at the Agropastoral FishCam farm, located in the Central Region of Cameroon. A total of 240 juvenile Oreochromis niloticus with an average weight of 12.3 ± 2.82 g were divided into four groups of 60 juveniles each, housed in 1m x 1m x 1m happas within a 400 m² pond. Each group was further divided into three subgroups of 20 fish, corresponding to the group's repetitions. The fish were fed an isoproteic pelleted feed made from local ingredients for 42 days. Fish in Group 0 received feed without Nelumbo nucifera powder, while those in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed diets containing 0.03%, 0.06%, and 0.09% of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder, respectively. After 42 days, 30 fish were randomly selected per treatment and sacrificed to assess reproductive parameters. Results: The results show that treatment T1 (0.03% of Nelumbo nucifera powder) recorded the highest values for average weight gain, average daily weight gain, and specific growth rate. The highest survival rate was recorded in animals from group 2. The T1 diet also significantly induced the highest indices (Gonadosomatic Index, Hepatosomatic Index). Conclusion: In light of the results, we recommend using Nelumbo nucifera at 0.03% in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus to improve reproductive and growth parameters. This study provides valuable information for fish farmers seeking to optimize Nile tilapia production.