This study evaluated the apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and digestible energy (Kcal kg-1) for six ingredients (cassava chips, sorghum grain, atriplex hay, gliricídia hay, leucaena hay and wine residues) available in Brazilian semi-arid for pink tilapia feed. The feed were stained with 0.1% of chromic oxide III. A total of six circular tanks containing 1000 liters of volume were used. In each one was placed a circular cage of plastic screen with 20 fish each (initial weight of 80g). The fish were hand fed daily 3 times a day. To collect feces each cage was placed in the evening in conical 250L fiberglass tanks. Apparent digestibility of the ingredients tested was calculated based on the content of chromic oxide III in the samples offered and in the feces by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to the nutrient feed and feces, according to standard procedure. Among ingredients evaluated the best CDA values for MS were to cassava chips and sorghum. The best CDA values for CP were to cassava chips, sorghum and gliricidia hay. Atriplex hay was the ingredient with better digestible energy value.
Oreochromis sp.; alternative ingredients; northeast
