Dietary Protein Requirements And Growth Performance Of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings

Abstract

Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were fed six isocaloric diets at different crude protein levels at 5% of body weight to determine the growth and survival of the species. Growth rate and weight gain increased progressively with dietary
protein level to a maximum at 35%. Significant differences (p<0.05) were recorded for the growth indices, weight gain and average daily growth rate. Nutrient utilization parameters had variable results among the treatments. There was no significant difference (p> 0.01) in apparent feed conversion ratio, but the nitrogen metabolism showed significant variations. The results obtained indicated that fish fed 35% crude protein diet performed best in weight gain, food conversion ratio and nitrogen metabolism.