Abstract
Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) weighing 2.669±1.713 g (inean±SD) were kept in glass aquarium for 8 weeks. The experiment was divided into twL cycles i.e. non feeding period (NFP) and feeding period (FP). The fish were deprived of feed in 1", 2nd and 4th week while feed was given in 31-, 5th, 6', 7th and 8th week. At the end of week I and 2, the fish had significantly lowered body weight (-15.7%). Week 3rd was subjected to feeding and fish were further decrease the body weight (-18.3%). Compensation in weight was begun in 4th week although the fish were deprived of feed. During four consecutive feeding weeks they exhibited gradual compensation followed by highly significant increase in weight (week 7th, 52.7% & week 8th 66.9%). The specific growth rate (SGR) of experimental fish in feeding cycles were significantly higher than non feeding cycle, suggesting that hyperphagia was the mechanism responsible for increased growth rate during cycle of deprivation. The amount of moisture, protein, lipid and ash did not differ significantly throughout the experiment.
