Effects of Dietary Palm Oil Levels on Growth and Survival of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings

Abstract

Feeds containing varying palm oil levels were fed to Clarias gariepinus fingerlings of mean weight 0.88g and mean length 4.50cm for 8 weeks to determine the effect on growth and survival. The highest weight gain (2.24 + 0.31g), specific growth rate (1.08 + 0.26% day^-1), condition factor (0.77 + 0.09), feed conversion ratio (4.46 + 0.14) and protein efficiency ratio (0.122+ 0.21) were obtained in C. gariepinus fingerlings fed 9% palm oil diet. These values were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those fed other diets. The mean survival rate of fish for all diets varied between 39.17+ 5.91% (3% oil) – 65.42 +5.91% (18% oil). The observed water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, NH_3-N and total hardness levels in the culture media were within acceptable ranges. Diet with 6% palm oil was the most economical with N19.01/g. weight gain and followed by diet with 9% palm oil (N22.55/g. weight gain). The lower growth response for 0% oil diet probably indicated that catfish needs oil in its diet to improve growth.

Key Words: Palm oil, diet, growth, survival, Clarias gariepinus