K.G. Michael*, O.A. Sogbesan and L.U. Onyia
Department of Fisheries, Modibbo Adama University, Yola P.M.B. 2076, Adamawa State Nigeria
*Corresponding author: keccybaby1258@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.3747
ABSTRACT
Fish farms’ output and profits have been facing a greater challenge with a hike in the price of feed ingredients. This study was designed to evaluate the growth and economic performance of clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed on fermented Canavalia ensiformis seed meals. The proximate analysis of the diets was done according to Jiyana, et al. (2022) method. Fermented Canavalia ensiformis meals were used to formulate five different 40.0% isoproteic experimental diets each at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% and coded FCe, which were fed at 5% body weight to fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. One hundred and fifty Clarias gariepinus (0.96g±0.03 and 3.93cm±0.28) were randomly assigned to five treatments of 10 fingerlings, replicated three times in a completely randomised design (CRD) in 35L plastic circular tanks through a semi-flow-through system for 84days. Weights and lengths were measured biweekly and used to calculate the growth and nutrient utilization parameters. Nutrients, digestibility, haematology, and economic evaluation of the fish fed the diets were also determined. Data collected were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance. The results of the experiments showed that there were significant differences (p <0.001) in the specific growth rate as the inclusion levels of the tested meals increased. The mean water quality parameters were within the tolerable limit for aquaculture. Nutrient digestibility and Haematology were significantly (p><0.001) reduced in the treatment diets. Inclusion of the tested meals in the diets resulted in the reduction of feed cost/Kg, cost of feed intake/fish and feed cost/weight gain with increased inclusion levels. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings can feed on up to 25% inclusion level fermented Canavalia ensiformis diet without adverse effects on the growth performance.>
Keyword:
Canavalia ensiformis,
Clarias gariepinus,
Digestibility,
Economic
evaluation,
Haematology