Dietary Protein Requirement of Clariid Catfish Hybrid, Clarias gariepinus X Heterobranchus bidorsalis Fry Fed Practical Diets

Abstract

Clariid catfish hybrid, Clarias gariepinus (African mud catfish) ♀ X Heterobranchus bidorsalis (African giant catfish) ♂ were fed six practical diets ranging from 35% to 60% protein at 5% increments for 30 days. Weight gain, average daily growth and specific growth rate were directly proportional to protein level up to an incorporated rate of 50%; beyond this level there was no significant growth (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratio decreased when the dietary protein level exceeded 50% protein and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments. The protein efficiency ratio decreased with the increasing dietary protein level. Fish fed at a higher dietary protein level (50-60%) had significantly higher protein contents at the end of the feeding trial. Based on growth response, nutrient utilization, and carcass composition, protein requirement of clariid catfish hybrid fry is 50% for these diets.