Available phosphorus requirement of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was determined. A total of 352 fishes with initial weight of 0.41 g ± 0.30 g was assigned to a completely block experimental design were used, with four levels of available phosphorus and four replications. Diets with 32.0% CP and 3,050 kcal DE/kg were supplemented with dicalcium phosphate to obtain levels of 0.21; 0.40; 0.56 and 0.71% of available phosphorus in the diets. Diets were handly fed during 120 days. No effects of available phosphorus levels on feed intake, content of protein and ether extract in the carcass and mortality rate were observed. The available phosphorus levels showed a quadratic effect on weight gain, feed:gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio and the calcium percentage in the bones, that were better in levels 0.55, 0.52, 0.52, and 0.60% of available phosphorus, respectively. Data analysis by broken-line regression method indicated adequate deposition of phosphorus in the bone with 0.64% of phosphorus in the diet. The requirement of available phosphorus for juvenile Nile tilapia raised in recirculation tanks is of 0.52%.
phosphorus; bone minerals; Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus; performance; requirements
