Growth Performance and Economic Return of High Density Floating Net Cage-Cultured of Sex-Reversed Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Earthen Pond Using Internet of Things.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the growth performance and economic return of sex-reversed male Nile tilapia in earthen pond cage culture with high density through the Internet of Things Technology (IoT). The experiments were conducted with a completely randomized design, carried out under three treatments each with three replications. The stocking densities were 30 fish/m³/cage (T1), 50 fish/m³/cage (T2), and 70 fish/m³/cage (T3). The research methodology consisted of two stages. In the first stage, instruments for measuring dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and closed-circuit television cameras were installed, and the aerator was controlled through a smartphone using Internet of Things Technology (IoT). The second stage involved culturing Nile tilapia with an initial mean weight at 40.83 g/fish in each treatment for 5 months. The findings revealed that tilapia in T1, T2 and T3 exhibited mean weight growth rates of 442.38, 431.36, and 438.92 g/fish, respectively. The specific growth rate was found to be 1.59%, 1.58%, and 1.57% per day. The survival rate was 88.33%, 84.67%, and 84.33% respectively. The result showed no statistically significant difference at 0.05 level (p≥0.05). However, the feed conversion ratios were 1.53, 1.63, and 1.64, respectively with a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level (p<0.05). Throughout the fish culturing process, real-time data on dissolved oxygen levels, water temperature, aerator control, and pond images were accessible via smartphone using IoT. Finally, the cost of culturing sex-reversed male Nile tilapia was found to be 60.21, 59.34, and 57.06 baht/kg with returns rates of -0.33%, 1.22% and 5.16% respectively. In conclusion, cage culturing of tilapia using IoT in earthen pond facilitates high-density fish culture, resulting in better yields and economic returns.