Increasing productivity and efficiency of Nile tilapia production using plant saponins and introduction of its culture in areas under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority (PA)

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This proposal envisages a work plan that would contribute to furthering scientific knowledge on the use of plant saponins as fish feed additives and benefit tilapia culturists not only in Israel and Palestine, but the world over. The basic research objectives include: a) extract and concentrate saponin fractions from two local edible plants, akub and fenugreek b) study the effectiveness of these saponins in inducing sex inversion or preventing reproduction in Nile tilapia in comparison with Quillaja saponins with which we have previous experience c) study the effects of these saponins on growth and feed nutrient utilization in tilapia d) gain insights into the mechanism of action of the saponins and e) use this knowledge to modify saponin structures to increase their potency. In addition, this project seeks to introduce both aquaculture research and practice to the Palestinian Authority (PA) areas aided by transfer of existing know how from the Israeli and German partners and new results from this trilateral co-operation. Direct results expected include identification of saponins or mixtures thereof, extracted from plants commercially cultivable in the Middle East, which could be used as tilapia feed additives and the introduction of tilapia aquaculture research and practise into the PA. The synergistic capabilities of the partners bode well for the successful implementation of the project.