Groundnut oil supplementation effect on growth and reproductive performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) broodstock

Abstract

An investigation was carried out on the effect of Fish Oil (FO) replacement with varying Groundnut Oil (GO) levels (0% T0, 25% T1, 50% T2, 75% T3 and 100% T4, respectively) in the diet of Clarias gariepinus, on growth and reproductive performances. Forty five 6-month old broodstock, averagely weighing 380.42 g, were randomly distributed into 15 concrete tanks, at a ratio of 2 female: 1 male in triplicates. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated and fed to fish at 4% body weight, twice daily, for 168 days. Weight gain (234.21 g) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T0, followed by T2 (225.12 g). Feed conversion ratio was significantly low (P < 0.05) in T0 (2.20), but highest in T4 (4.18). Gonadosomatic index highest value was recorded in T0, for male and female (0.98% and 10.00% respectively). Milt concentration and percentages fertilization were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in T0 (205.75 x 10⁶/ml and 86.86%, respectively), but low in T4 (185.00 x 10⁶/ml and 70.05%, respectively). Carcass protein and lipid was highest in T0 (66.13% and 5.98%, respectively) while T2 had the highest ash content (4.95%). Results of this study revealed that GO can successfully replace up to 50% FO in the diet of C. gariepinus broodstock for optimal performance.