Assesment of Growth Pattern and Well-Being of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Semi-Arid Zone, Nigeria

Biological and ecological study is an important field in aquaculture. Ninety-six (96) samples of Oreochromis niloticus were collected from three dams (Bagwai dam (BG), (DG), Tiga dam (TG) and Thomas dam (TD)) and a river (river Dundurun Gaya) to assess Nlie tilapia Oreochromis niloticus growth pattern and well-being in semi-arid as a guide for tilapia production. The Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were purchase from fishermen landings on each water body. The growth pattern was evaluated using Length-weight relationship derived from the equation: W=aLb, while the well-being using condition factor as ponderal index (K) = 100(W/L3 ). The results revealed that, the b and r2 values of Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the four water bodies ranges from 2.0940 to 3.0196 and from 0.7439 to 0.9336 respectively, in which Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)of River Dundurun Gaya (DG) had the highest values of b and r2 . Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the four water bodies exhibited negative allometrics growth pattern in BG, TD and TG, while isometrics growth pattern DG. The ponderal index (K) of Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)from the water bodies assessed range from 1.61-1.80, in which that of Tiga dam had the highest value. Thomas dam (TD) had the highest availability of feed than others, and river Dundurun Gaya (DG) had the most suitable environmental factors (ecological status) than others. Nlie tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of River Dundurun Gaya (DG) had the strongest length-weight relationship and highest better body condition. Conclusively, Bagwai dam (BG), Thomas dam (TD) and river Dundurun Gaya (DG) had poor nutritional and environmental conditions, while Tiga dam (TG) has good nourishment from abundant food supply and favourable environmental factors. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) of the four water bodies were in good health condition, that of Tiga dam (TG) were in the best health condition. The studied water bodies serve as good habitats for Nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) production. It is recommended to improve the management strategies of the two dam and the river for sustainable fish production. Also, genetic distinction study for the species was recommended in the studied water bodies.