The Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) Cultivation Process

May 16, 2023June 10, 2023 Agric4Profits

The GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) Tilapia breed was first invented in the Philippines by the World Fish Center using the mass selection method of 6 germplasms of Nile tilapia collected from different countries. Experimental research has shown that the Gift variety has an 80% higher growth rate and a 50% higher survival rate than the native Philippine tilapia.

A special feature of the tilapia fish is that most of them lay their eggs in their mouths and the fry is supervised by their parents until they are accustomed to swimming, and based on this feature, fisheries scientists have divided them into several categories.

Genus Tilapia: They do not lay eggs in their mouths. Eggs are laid on the surface of the soil and hatched. E.g. Tilapia Zilli.

Genus Saratherodon: Only male fish lays eggs in its mouth, such as Saratherodon galihaeus.

Genus Oreochromis: Only the female lays eggs in the mouth of the fish, such as Oreochromis niloticus, and Oreochromis mossambicus.

The gift tilapia has already been shown to be 50-60 percent more productive than other tilapia in the country. It is undoubtedly an excellent species of tilapia for fry production and cultivation. Scientists now call it super tilapia.

GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) Farming Benefits

1. It is high yielding.

2. The pond is marketable at a depth of 1 m in 3-4 months.

3. It is possible to take three yield cycles every four months.

4. They like any food.

5. Is not easily diseased.

6. Easy fry production is possible.

7. Can be cultivated with little capital.

8. Delicious to eat and high in market demand.

Depth and shape of the pond/tank

The depth of pond water should not be more than 3-4 feet for the breeding and cultivation of GIFT tilapia.

A pond that dries up in summer but has 3-4 feet of water in the rainy season is good for breeding and cultivating tilapia. The pond should be rectangular for any fish farming.

As a result, there is an advantage of fishing by pulling the net. The shape of the pond should be north to south so that there is adequate ventilation in the pond.

Necessary Advice:

The pond should be monitored 1 hour after the application of food. If food is available in the pond, then it should be understood that there is any problem in the pond/fish or more food is being given.

Every 8-10 days, the amount of food should be determined by observing the growth of the fish by pulling the net.

After stocking of fry, apply 250 gm of lime percent per month (lime should be soaked in water and applied cold) or 150 gm of zeolite.

Many times in summer the water in the pond decreases and as a result, the water temperature rises. In this case, the required amount of water should be given to the pond.

In case of continuous cloudy weather or excessive rain, the amount of food in the pond/cage should be reduced or feeding should be stopped.