Tilapia - East Africa

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

• Protein Needs:

Juveniles (starter feed): ~35–40% protein

Grow-out stage: 28–32% protein

Adults (maintenance or finishing feed): 25–28% protein

• Fat and Energy Needs:

Fat: 5–8%, usually from vegetable oils

Digestible energy: ~3,000–3,200 kcal/kg
Tilapia efficiently convert feed into flesh, making them a cost-effective species to raise.

• Essential Nutrients:

Vitamins: A, D, E, C, B-complex for immunity and growth

Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron

Amino acids: Methionine and lysine are often supplemented in plant-based feeds

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

• Systems Used:

Pond culture: Most common method in rural and peri-urban areas

Cage culture: Increasingly used in lakes (e.g. Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana)

Tank and raceway systems: Used for hatcheries and urban aquaculture

Integrated systems: Tilapia is sometimes farmed with vegetables (e.g. aquaponics) or livestock (e.g. integrated fish-poultry systems)

• Environmental Conditions:

Optimal temperature: 25–30°C

Water sources: Rivers, lakes, boreholes, and rain-fed reservoirs

Oxygen & pH tolerance: Tilapia are hardy and tolerate low oxygen and wide pH ranges

• Stocking & Growth:

Stocking densities range from 2–6 fish/m² in ponds and 20–50 fish/m³ in cages, depending on feeding and water quality

Grow-out period: 5–7 months to reach 250–500 g, depending on feed and temperature

• Feeding Practices:

In extensive systems: no external feed, relying on pond algae and natural food

In semi-intensive: feed supplemented with agricultural by-products (e.g. maize bran, rice husks)

In intensive: commercial pelleted feeds are used, typically 2–3 times per day

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

• Affordable Protein Source: Tilapia is widely accessible and provides an affordable source of lean protein, especially in low-income rural and urban areas.

• Nutritional Value:

High in protein (~20 g per 100 g)

Low in saturated fat

Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus

• Cultural Relevance: Tilapia is a traditional favorite in many East African cuisines and is commonly grilled, fried, or cooked in stews.

Tilapia farming supports food security, employment, and income generation across East Africa.The species’ efficiency and adaptability make it a low-impact, environmentally friendly option, especially when integrated into circular farming systems.