Compensatory Growth of Tilapias (oreochromis Niloticus) Reared in Earthen Ponds in Southern Brazil / Crescimento Compensatório De Tilápias (oreochromis Niloticus) Cultivadas Em Viveiros Escavados No Sul Do Brasil

Tilapia fingerlings (0.5 ± 0.08g) were reared during the nursery phase in two different stocking densities (0.5 fish/m2 for control in a pond of 600m² and 75 fish/m2 for compensatory group in a cage of 4m²) for a period of 100 days. After this period, a 50-day trial study was performed with 43 juvelines of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for each group (control 294 ± 24.43g and compensatory 99.33 ± 16.99g) stocked at the same density (0,28 fish/m2) in order to evaluate the compensatory growth in eathern ponds of 160m2 for each treatment. Throughout the experimental period the water quality was monitored and biometrics were performed to evaluate the zootechnical performance. The results revealed that the fishes of compensatory group presented higher specific growth rate compared to control, demonstrating a compensatory growth. At the end of the trial both treatments presented weight loss strongly influenced by temperature decrease. These results showed the compensatory growth of O. niloticus and the possibility to use this strategy (nursery in high density) contributing to ensure a successful production of O. niloticus in this region of the country.