Effect on growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Fed Fermented Mango Seed Kernel Diet at Different Inclusion Level

Abstract

The main objective of this research was in the utilization of agro-wastes from fruit processing and consumption. This waste has resulted to environmental nuisance and the need for incorporation into aquaculture feed as energy source is inevitable. The utilization of waste from fruit processing can be used to reduce the cost of feed production. This research utilized fermented Mango Seed Kernel Meal (MSKM) as a replacement for maize in the diets of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. A 40% isonitrogenous diet was formulated ât inclusion levels of T1 (0%), T2 (25%), T3 (50%), T4 (75%), and T5 (100%) MSKM and fed at 3% body weight. One hundred and fifty (150) Clarias geriepinus juveniles average, the weight of 10.00g±0.14 were randomly allocated to Treatments in plastic tanks (49x33.5x33.5cm) at 10 fish per treatment/tank in triplicate. Mean Weight Gain (MWG) was highest in T1 (756.37±13.61g) and significantly differs (P<0.05) from other treatments. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was highest in T4 (1.46±0.18g) and lowest in T1 (0.99±0.01g). Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was significantly different in T4 when compared to other treatments. Feed intake and feed cost decreased with the inclusion level of MSKM while net profit was not significantly different (P>0.05) in T1 and T3. Profit index and net profit were significantly compared in T2, T3, and T5. The diet showed no implication on fish survival. In conclusion, the growth performance of Catfish could be improved by substituting MSKM at 50% level without implication on cultured fish.