Assessment of commercial fish feeds on the growth performance and biochemical condition of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

This study examined the effects of various commercial fish diets on the biochemical state and growth performance of juvenile Clarias gariepinus. 240 fish samples were used in the investigation, with mean weights of 136±5.12g and lengths of 19.3±1.03cm. They were examined in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates, using conventional procedures. Four treatments were assigned to them: T1 (Vital feed), T2 (Blue crown), T3 (Aquaboom), and T4 (Coppens). The study included monitoring of the following data: proximate composition, mean weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, percentage survival rate, protein efficiency, and experimental water quality parameters. The findings showed that the mean physiochemical parameter compared between treatments and control were within the FAO (2020) guideline limits. It is evident from the proximate composition that fish grow more effectively when fed with vital meals that have high content of protein and fat. The results showed that test fish fed Vita feed had higher feed conversion rates and considerably (p<0.05) higher specific growth rates than test fish fed the other treatments. All of the treatments showed high survival rates (>80%). The fish fed with Blue Crown feed had the highest weight growth of 913.24±0.78g, followed by those fed with Coppens feed (867.06±1.21g), while the fish fed Aquaboom had the lowest (797.31±1.0). Specific growth rate was lowest in those fed Coppens (0.46) and highest in those provided with Vital feed (0.78), followed by Blue Crown (0.64). The activities of Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP), and Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) in each test fish did not significantly change. It is therefore concluded that, in relation to the parameters analyzed, there were variations among the brands of fish feed. In order to achieve optimal growth, it is advised that fish feed manufacturers should carefully create a nutritionally balanced fish feed.