International Journal of Biology and Biological Sciences Vol. 3(2), pp. 012-016, February 2014 ISSN 2327-3062 ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of feeding levels on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)

Ashley-dejo, S. S¹*, Olaoye, O. J² ., Adelaja, O. A¹ and Abdulraheem I¹

¹Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ashleydejosamuel@gmail.com. Tel: +2348036584136.

Accepted 21 February, 2014

Abstract

Effect of feeding levels on growth performance, feed utilization and economic viability of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was studied under natural photoperiods of 12/12 h light/dark cycle using a complete random design. Triplicate group of 10 fish with average initial mean weight of 3.5 ± 0.3 g per tank (measuring 1 m × 1 m × 1 m) was formed. A commercial feed (Coppens®, Holland) with crude protein of 42% was fed for 12 weeks over five feeding levels studied (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7%). Mean weight gain was all significantly different (P < 0.05) across feeding levels except at T2 and T4. T3, 3.80±0.01, has the highest specific growth in the feeding trials. Feed conversion ratio was increasing from T1 - T5. Although net profit value was not significantly different, the investment cost analysis and the gross profit between fish fed with 4 and 5% body weight were equally not significantly (P > 0.05) different. The results of this experiment indicate that fish could be fed 5% body weight twice a day with maximum growth and profit.

Key words: Feeding rate, feed utilization, growth, Clarias gariepinus.