Effect of feeding rate on growth and nutrients utilization of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) fingerlings fed with vital feed

Abstract

The experiment was conducted on the effect of feeding rate on the growth and nutrients utilization of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed with vital feed. The Vital feed was purchased from Sokoto State central market, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty (240) Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were purchased from Teaching and Research farm of the department of fisheries and Aquaculture Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The fish were acclimatized for one week prior the commencement of feeding trial. The fish were allotted twelve circular tanks (1×1 m) in three replicates. Each tank constituted 20 fingerlings and fed at 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% of the body weight. The results showed that the highest mean weight gain, mean specific growth rate (6.90±1.68) % and (3.09±0.48) % respectively were recorded in diet IV (10% body weight). The best feed conversion ratio was recorded in diet I (3%) and IV (10%) of body weights the values were 4.01±0.56 and 3.27±1.16 respectively. The best Feed efficiency ratio, Gross feed conversion efficiency, Apparent net protein utilization and Protein efficiency ratio were recorded in the diet I (3%) and II (5%). It was recommended that farmers can feed their fingerlings of Clarias. Gariepinus up to 5% of the body weight and should feed according to body weight of fish.