Growth performance and feed utilization of fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (Teugels) fed processed Pauletia monandra (Kurz) seed meal

Abstract

The growth performance and feed utilization of fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus fed diets contammg a commercial feed and Pauletia monandra seed meal was studied for 56 days. The experimental diets were: diet 1 (37.50% commercial feed +12.50% P. monandra seeds), diet 2 (25.00 commercial feed +25.00 P. monandra seeds), diet 3 (12.50% commercial feed+ 37.50% P .monandra seeds), diet 4 (50.00% P. monandra seeds) and diet 5 (100% commercial feed). Feed were formulated to meet the crude protein value of the control diet which was a commercial feed that had 49.19%, to meet the nutrient requirement of the fish and to reduce the cost of fish feed. The fish were fed at 5% body weight thrice daily. The fish were raised at a temperature range of 21-23.5°C, pH value of 7.5-8.22 and dissolved oxygen of 6.0-7.5mg/g. The highest increase in body weight (20.90g) was achieved with diet 1, then diet 5 (18.66g). The least increase in the body weight (8.80g) was realized with diet 4. Similarly, the best specific growth rate (4.14%) was obtained with diet 1. Diet 4 gave the least specific growth rate (2.56%). The general robustness of the fish expressed by the condition factor revealed that fish were in good condition throughout the study. The best growth of fish was observed during the period of higher temperature, thus growth rate was then linked to increased temperature. Diet 1 was the most economic diet N7.09 diet per gram of weight gain. Diet 5 (commercial feed) was the most expensive diet according to least cost analysis (Nl70.00). The use of P. monandra seeds in combination with imported commercial feed in catfish production is therefore recommended.

Key Words: Pauletia monandra, dietary supplement, growth performance, feed utilization, Clarias gariepinus.