Evaluation of different feeding frequencies on growth performance and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Fingerlings

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to assess the growth performance and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus under the feeding frequencies of T1 (twice/day), T2 (thrice/day), and T3 (four times/day) at 3% BWD per day over a period of 56 days. A total of 180 fingerlings with average weight of 2.39±0.19g and average length of 5.02±1.04cm were stocked at 15 fish per plastic container of 35 litres capacity. The highest weight gain recorded at the end of the experiment was 7.39±0.19g in (T3) and the lowest was 5.35±0.31g in (T1). The highest specific growth rate (SGR%) value of 1.19±0.02 was recorded in (T3) and the lowest 1.01±0.03 was recorded in (T1). T3 recorded the highest FCR value of 1.88±1.37, while the lowest value of 8.34±2.12 was obtained in (T1). Therefore, Treatment 3 yielded the best performance in terms of WG, SGR, and FCR and can be recommended for enhanced growth performance and optimum feed utilization.

Keywords; Fingerlings, feeding, frequency, growth, performance, utilization.