Ann-Chang Cheng, Chia-Chun Chi and Chun-Hung Liu
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using X-xylanase in the diet to improve tilapia growth. Four experimental diets containing X-xylanase (Hostazym®, Huvepharma, Antwerp, Belgium) at levels of 0 (control), 1050, 1500, and 1950 endopentosanase units (EPU) were used in this study. The growth performance trial was carried out for 56 days. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences between the groups fed by control and the experimental diets in terms of survival rate, condition factor and weight gain. However, the highest weight gain was recorded in fish fed a diet containing 1500 EPU of X-xylanase. Fish fed diets containing 1500 and 1950 EPU X-xylanase for 56 days had significant better feed efficiency compared to those of fish fed the commercial diet and other experimental diets. It was therefore concluded that the addition of X-xylanase to the tilapia diet was able to improve the feed utilization and consequently enhance fish growth.
