SECTION B: REVISED EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS

PHILIPPINES RESEARCH

Collaborating Institutions
Central Luzon State University
Remedios Bolivar

Florida International University—Lead US Institution
Christopher Brown

Reduction of Rations below Satiation Levels

Feeds and Fertilizers Research 3 (9FFR3)/Experiment

Note: The following work plan replaces that in the Ninth Work Planin full.

Objective
To conduct a series of experiments designed to test the effect of reducing the rations of tilapia to a sub-satiation level. This follows a successful demonstration (year 1) that delayed onset of feeding reduces production costs significantly, without compromising yields or product quality significantly.

Significance
The point of these studies is to develop options for farmers who wish to increase production but for whom full-scale intensification is impractical. For many farmers in rural areas of the Philippines, mechanical aeration and refrigerated feed storage are not feasible, nevertheless the incentive to improve yields over those possible with traditional culture remains strong. Based on earlier PD/ A CRSP studies in Thailand, we have worked with Philippine farmers to introduce the principle that judiciously applied supplemental feeding well below the theoretical maximum can improve yields substantially. Farmers participating in our own year one d of studies have already adopted our experimental method of sub-maximal supplemental feeding, which was clearly cost-effective. The coming experiments will address another means of providing modest feed supplementation, by feeding at rations below satiation level.

Anticipated Benefits
Although feeding the maximum amount that fish will consume probably leads to the most rapid possible growth, it is not a cost-effective use of feeds. Not only does this approach elevate feed costs unnecessarily, it can compromise water quality and consequently increase the risk of disease. We are testing feeding techniques that raise growout productivity well above baseline levels, in the most cost-effective means possible. Increased farm profit is therefore one of our goals; this also ties into the broader objectives of enhanced economic stability and improved nutrition.

Research Design
Experimentation will adhere to the methods detailed proposed in our approved research proposal. In short, the year two experiments consist of a series of comparisons of productivity in pond-growouts involving the feeding twice daily of fish at rates experimentally determined to approximate 67% and 100% of satiation. A minimum of 9 farms will participate in these trials, with the end-points of assessing growth, yields, and uniformity of fish produced under these feeding regimens. As in year 1, the relative cost-effectiveness of the feeding strategies will be analyzed and contrasted.

Regional Integration
We plan a technical exchange with the Asian Institute of Technology, during which time we will explore the best current hatchery and growout methods currently used at both facilities. It is a stated goal of our project to help Central Luzon State University fulfill its’ potential as a regional center for aquaculture research, education, and technology dissemination.

Our experimental approach involves the application of locally-milled feeds which utilize rice bran and other rice byproducts, and our farm trials also involve the growout of a special strain of Genetically Improved Farm Tilapia developed by ICLARM and currently provided by the GIFT Foundation. Thus an important objective of our work is to integrate divergent agriculture activities, interests, and resources in Central Luzon.

Schedule
Our plan is to begin in June 2000 and complete work by April 2001.

Report Submission
Final report due on or before 30 April 2001.