Abstract
Aquaculture is a critical applied science for ensuring global food security, yet its sustainability is often challenged by the high cost of feeds, which represent over 50% of production expenses. This study applied principles of sciences and feed technology to formulate cost-effective aquafeeds using locally available resources in the Caraga Region, Philippines. Fish meal (63.4% CP), soybean meal (40% CP), rice bran, malunggay, duckweed, cassava flour and coconut oil were processed into pelleted feeds and tested against standard commercial diets in red saline tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) culture from fry to market size. Growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival and economic indicators were assessed over a 150-day culture period. Results showed that commercial feeds yielded significantly higher final weight (305 g vs. 207 g) and weight gain (290 g vs. 192 g), while locally formulated feeds achieved superior feed efficiency (FCR 1.74 vs. 2.0) and equal survival rates (95%). More importantly, the experimental diets reduced feed costs by over 50% (Php 26,217.50 (457 USD) vs. Php 59,498.60 (1,037 USD)), resulting in higher gross profit (Php 30,177.58 (526 USD)) and return on investment (ROI 1.151) compared to commercial feeds (Php 21,561.40 (375 USD); ROI 0.362). These findings demonstrate how locally sourced feed formulations can enhance economic viability, reduce reliance on imported inputs and support environmentally sustainable aquaculture systems. By integrating applied sciences, food technology and resource-efficient practices, this research provides a practical pathway toward resilient smallholder aquaculture and sustainable food production.
Keywords: Commercial Diet, Feed Efficiency, Local Feed Formulation, Sustainability, Tilapia.