Utilisation of Maggots and Earthworms as Protein Supplement in The Feed of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Abstract

Six months feeding trial was conducted to determine the growth performances of juvenile of Clarias gariepinus fed with varying replacement levels of Earthworm and Maggot meals. Proximate analysis was conducted using the procedure of Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) to ascertain the proximate compositions of Earthworm and Maggot. It was found that both Earthworm and Maggots have high protein content (42.95% and 40.33% respectively). Twenty-five (25) fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were subjected to five different dietary treatments in replicate of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Feedings were done twice a day (8am in the morning and 5pm in the evening) at 3% of their body weight, and the quantity of feeds was adjusted based on new weight gain. The morphometric measurements were carried out biweekly. At six months, the highest standard length (40.40 ± 0.50cm), total length (43.30 ± 1.00cm), and weight gain (485.10 ± 13.00g) was observed in 100% Earthworm and maggot meal, while the least standard length (32.60 ± 0.80cm), total length (35.90 ± 1.60cm) and weight gain (428.60 ± 4.50g) was observed in 0% Earthworm and Maggot meal. However, in all other growth performances and nutrient utilization parameters measured such as Relative growth rate, Specific growth rate, Feed intake, Protein efficiency ratio and Feed conversion ratio, 100% Earthworm and maggot had the best performance more than other treatments. There are no significant differences (P<0.05) in survival rates in all the five different treatments. The results gotten from the water quality parameters showed no significant difference among all the treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that combination of Earthworm and Maggot meal as a substitute to fish meal at 100% replacement level, in the diet of Clarias gariepinus could enhance growth without any adverse negative effect on the health, growth and development of juvenile of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).