Clarias Gariepinus Fingerlings Research Articles

Remediative roles of vitamins a, c and e on some growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to lead nitrate in semi-static system

Persistent environmental pollutants over the years have had deleterious effects on aquatic biota and by extension other living organisms on earth. The present study attempted to determine the roles of some vitamins in reducing the effects of Lead (Pb) in terms of some observed differences in the growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus. C. gariepinus fingerlings (whose initial weight ranged from 3 to 11g) were subjected to sub-lethal concentrations of Pb (00, 26mg/L, 44mg/L, 61mg/L and 79mg/L). Vitamins A, C and E at 26mg/L in each case were administered across all bud, respectively. The growth parameters measured every 7th day for a period of 12 weeks were standard lengths (SL), total lengths (TL) and weight. The following treatment groups were used: Pb (Pb only), PbVA (Pb+vitamin A), PbVC ((Pb+vitamin C) and PbVE (Pb+vitamin E) with four treatments (T1-T4) and replicates in each case. The specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG) and percentage weight gain (% WG) were calculated from the weight. From the results: The highest SL in the Pb only, PbVA, PbVC and PbVE treatments were 14.90cm, 12.60cm, 12.30cm and 19.40cm, respectively. The highest TL in Pb only, PbVA, PbVC and PbVE, respectively were 17.60cm, 14.10cm, 13.90cm and 22.30cm. The highest weight value in the Pb only, PbVA, PbVC and PbVE were 36.09g, 21.64g, 23.48g and 83.26g, respectively. T1 and T3 had the highest%WG and SGR in comparison to the control in both Pb only and PbVE treatment groups. In the PbVE there was general improvement in weight values in all treatments. The outcome of this research suggests that vitamin E can attenuate the effects of Pb toxicant and out-perform the un-exposed samples; hence, optimized concentration of the vitamin can serve as remedy in heavy Pb intoxication.

Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed varying inclusion levels of toasted African mesquite (Prosopis africana) seed meal

Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed varying inclusion levels of toasted Prosopis africana seed meal was carried out for 40days in a plastic tank. African mesquite was toasted. 40% crude protein diets were formulated using Pearson square method in which African mesquite seed meal was included at varying levels of Diet 1 - 0%, Diet 2 - 5%, Diet 3 - 10%, Diet 4 - 15% and Diet 5 - 20% African mesquite seed meal. 100 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings were acclimatized for 24hours and stocked in 40 Liter circular plastic tank, each tank was duplicated and labeled according to the inclusion level. The initial weight and length were taken at the beginning of the experiment and also weekly to adjust the quantity of feed given to the fish at 5% body weight. Feeding was done two times a day (morning and evening). Water quality was measured and experiment monitored for daily mortality. The cost benefit analysis was also determined. The result of the experiment shows that the best weight gains (28.22±5.23a), specific growth rate (1.90±0.25a), feed conversion ratio (0.88±0.08b), relative growth rate (82.42±4.06a), protein intake (959.5±85.6), protein efficiency ratio (0.0045±0.00a), feed intake (24.7±2.20a) and gross energy (4.55±0.00) were from fish fed with Diet 5. The temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were not significantly different (p≤0.05). The highest net production value with (28225.00±529.66a), and benefit cost ratio with (521.36±78.94a) were recorded in Diet 5. Based on findings from this research, 20% inclusion of Prosopis africana seed meal can replace soybean without affecting the profit of the farmers.

Investigation on Food Source to Substitute Commercial Feed in Aquaculture

Man’s unquenchable need for food, combined with his limited financial means, fuels the never-ending hunt for a low-cost, acceptable feed that promotes good fish growth. This search inspired the research of the growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings in static aquaria for 11 weeks on a commercial diet, cockroach feed, and fowl droppings. With the exception of temperature (p>0.05), all water variables were within acceptable ranges throughout the research. Regardless of protein level, no treatment had a significant effect on fish development (p>0.05). The lack of substantial fish growth (p>0.05) demonstrates the importance of additional growth factors in the cockroach diet, such as lipids, fiber, and carbohydrates. On the other side, commercial feed had the highest mean weight gain (18.42±13.12 g), average length (11.83±7.71 cm), average weight (17.00±13.92 g), and specific growth rate (0.360.15). Following that is the fish-fed cockroach (mean gain of 13.70±9.78 g, mean length of 9.87±5.94 cm, mean weight of 12.77±10.31 g, and specific growth rate of 0.34±0.14). On the other hand, fish-fed chicken droppings grew at the slowest pace (mean length (11.8±3.71 g), mean weight (17.00±13.92 g), and specific growth rate (0.360.15%). Additionally, cockroach feed had the highest survival rate (90 %), followed by commercial feed (83.33 %) and fowl droppings (66.33 %). Because the cockroach scores locally and is readily available and is less expensive, it can take advantage of pricey commercial feed without significant growth. Without a doubt, cockroach feed is a feasible meal substitute for commercially produced feeds for low-income people.

Dietary Supplement of Tumeric (Curcuma longa) Powder: Impact on Haematological and Biochemical Responses in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings

Dietary supplementation with herbal extract in the diet of fish has been noted to increase aquaculture production through the improvement of immunity and other physiological dysfunctions related to fish health. A feeding trial was conducted to assess the impact of incorporating varied concentrations of turmeric powder (TP) on haematological and biochemical responses in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Five test diets were composed as T1 ((control) (basal diet + 0 % TP)), T2 (basal diet + 1 % TP), T3 (basal diet + 2 % TP), T4 (basal diet + 3 % TP) and T5 (basal diet + 4 % TP). Fish specimens were apportioned into five groups in triplicate. Significantly lower (P<0.05) red blood cell count was found in those fed control diet compared with the other inclusion. Highest values of white blood cell count were noticed in T5 when compared with the control. There were significant differences in haemoglobin between T1 and T5. Highest values of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glucose and cholesterol level were found in T2 when compared with the control. TP can be used as feed supplement in the diet of C. gariepinus without any adverse effect on physiological responses of the fish.

Culture Pond Influences the Growth and Survival of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings reared in Poly and Monoculture

Monoculture is the rearing of single species of fish in a pond while polyculture is the farming of two or more species in the same physical space. This study aims to compare the growth parameters of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings in monoculture and polyculture, using concrete and earthen ponds in a randomized complete block design. The polyculture, comprised of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. 480 fingerlings were used; the stocking density was 40fish in a 3x2x1.5m depth with initial weight (4.84±0.11547) for C. gariepinus in monoculture and 40 each in polyculture with an initial pooled weight of O. niloticus (50g) replicated thrice, it was fed for eight weeks with commercial feed (40% crude protein). Weekly, random sampling was done to measure the growth and adjust the feeding rate. The results revealed that polyculture has the best mean final weight (160.07±0.18559g) and weight gain of 155.29, while the highest total length (45.666±3.179) was recorded in monoculture for Clarias gariepinus reared in an earthen pond. The polyculture had the highest specific growth rate (2.46), Relative growth rate (246.49), and condition factor (0.184). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in monoculture of both concrete and earthen ponds.

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to lead nitrate

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to lead nitrate

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to lead nitrate

The ever-increasing anthropogenic activities all over the world that usually led to release of plethora of pollutants such as lead calls for concern. In the present study the effects of lead nitrate on the production of antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH) in C. gariepinus and how such effects can be ameliorated through administration of vitamins were investigated. C. gariepinus fingerlings (whose initial weight ranged from 3-11g) were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Pb (00, 26mg/L, 44mg/L, 61mg/L and 79mg/L) with replicate in each case. 26mg/L each of the vitamins were administered across all bud. Fresh concentrations of both toxicant and vitamins were administered every 72 hours for a period of 12 weeks every time the water medium was changed. The various treatments group include Pb (Pb only), PbVA (Pb+vitamin A), PbVC ((Pb+vitamin C) and PbVE (Pb+vitamin E) with T1-T4 and replicates in each case. 3 samples of the fish were randomly selected and sacrificed from each aquarium tank every 2 weeks of the exposure period. The gills, kidneys and liver were excised from these specimens and homogenized in sodium phosphate buffer. These were then assayed for GSH productions levels in each case. The data generated were subjected to one way analysis of variance and considered significant at P≤0.05. From the results: In the Pb only group, the mean values of the GSH produced in the liver of the control samples were significantly higher than other treatments. The highest mean values of 82.04±0.13µg/ml, 30.84±0.10µg/ml and 31.30±0.10µg/ml were obtained in the liver, kidney and gills of the fish, respectively. In fish samples exposed to PbVA group, the highest mean values of 23.57±0.10µg/ml, 58.74±0.07µg/ml and 52.72±0.07µg/ml were obtained in the liver, kidney and gills, respectively. In C. gariepinus exposed to PbVC group, the highest mean values obtained in the liver, kidneys and gills were 25.79±0.07µg/ml, 28.40±0.13µg/ml and 37.55±0.03µg/ml, respectively. In PbVE group, the highest mean value of 57.21±0.03µg/ml, 83.51±0.07µg/ml and 63.29±0.07µg/ml were btained in the liver, kidneys and gills, respectively. The liver of the samples exposed to Pb only group displayed higher level of response to the toxicant with the highest GSH produced in the lowest concentration in comparison to other fish organs. In the PbVA group the response was more in the kidney in the highest concentration. There were general low levels of production in all organs of the fish in the PbVC group. The kidneys of the PbVE group exhibited the highest level of GSH production in comparison to other organs. The kidneys and liver of C. gariepinus in this research were fully engaged in mitigating the effects of the toxicant in the presence of the vitamins. Administration of higher concentrations of the vitamins could enhance better understanding of the ameliorative roles of the vitamins against the deleterious effects of the toxicant.

Haematological Indices and Carcass Composition of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings Fed with Fluted Pumpkin Leaf (Telfairia Occidentalis) as Feed Additives

A feeding trial was carried out for 56 days to ascertain the effects of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) as a feed additive on the haematological profile and nutrients value of Clarias gariepinus carcass. C. gariepinus fingerlings (mean body weight 9.6g) were randomly distributed in plastic bowls at nine fish per bowl in triplicates. Five diets designated as D1 to D5 with 40% crude protein containing 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200g/kg of T. occidentalis leaf powder were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings at 5% body weight per day. The results showed that T. occidentalis additive significantly (P≤0.05) improved the haematological parameters of the fish. The mean value of white blood cells (WBC) count (μL) in the diets fed with T. occidentalis were significantly higher (D2-D5 : 870.20, 864.80, 840.30, 876.40, respectively) than the diet without T. occidentalis (D1 783.15). A similar trend was observed in PCV, MCV, MCHC, MCH, and platelets. However, HB D1 (control) had higher values than the diet containing T. occidentalis. Meanwhile, in carcass quality, there was an increase in the crude protein of all the fish but the group that consumed T. occidentalis had a higher carcass crude protein and lower lipid, while the control had a higher lipid value. Meanwhile, the initial values obtained before the feeding trials had lower crude protein and higher lipid value when compared with the fish that was fed with the experimental diet. In conclusion, T. occidentalis leaf meal can be utilized to improve the haematological parameters of the fish, with an increase in the WBC there is a high possibility of the fish to withstand pathogenic attacks because Blood is a major parameter that determines the physiological, immune , and nutritional status of an organism, also WBC are important blood constituents for defense against diseases, pathogens and unwanted foreign bodies in an organism.

Toxicological Impact of Leachates from Lemna Refuse Dump Site on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1882) Fingerlings Under Laboratory Condition

Aim: The study investigated the toxicological effects of Calabar municipal dumpsite leachate on the fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus.
 Experimental Design: The study was set-up in a 6 × 2 Complete Randomized Block Design.
 Methodology: During the studt 120 C. gariepinus fingerlings were used. Each group was made up of 10 fingerlings. The fingerlings were exposed to 0% (control group), 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% of leachate in duplicate. Histopathology was also carried-out on the gills and liver of the fingerlings of each exposure group.
 Results: The temperature, pH, conductivity, and BOD increased with increasing leachate concentration, while the DO decreased with concentration. 5.17 ± 0.66 cm and 1.09 ± 0.40 g mean length and weight respectively of fingerlings were determined. Mortality depended on concentration. The 96 hours LC50 value with 95% confidence limit of C. gariepinus fingerlings exposed to leachate was 22.5% ± 0.89, and was significant with a determination coefficient (r2) of 0.93 at P<0.05. Leachates altered the orientation of gills and liver of the fingerlings.
 Conclusion and Recommendations: The low LC50 value of fingerlings exposed to different concentrations of leachate indicates a high toxicity of the leachate and altered the gills and liver of fingerlings. To this end, we recommended dumpsites are sited at a distance far from water bodies and areas inhabited by human, to mitigate the leeching of leachate into nearby aquatic systems. Law against indiscriminate discharge of waste into drainage channels and any aquatic system should be enforced by Government, to prevent mortality of biological organisms, extinction of species, contamination of organisms in nearby aquatic systems, changes in the physical properties, and health risk to humans that depends on resources from these aquatic systems for food.

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of Vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to cadmium chloride

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of Vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to cadmium chloride

Evaluation of the ameliorative roles of Vitamins A, C and E on reduced glutathione in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings exposed to cadmium chloride

Effects of cadmium chloride on the production of antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH) in Clarias gariepinus and how such effects can be ameliorated through administration of vitamins were investigated. C. gariepinus fingerlings were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Cd (00, 12mg/L, 16mg/L, 20mg/L and 24mg/L) with replicate in each case. 12mg/L each of the vitamins were administered across all bud. Fresh concentrations of both toxicant and vitamins were administered every 72 hours for a period of 12 weeks every time the water medium was changed. 3 samples of the fish were randomly selected and sacrificed from each aquarium tank every 2 weeks. The gills, kidneys and liver were excised from these specimens, homogenized in sodium phosphate buffer and then assayed for GSH production levels in each case. From the results: In Cd only group, the highest GSH level produced in the liver was 38.85±0.07µg/ml. In the liver of samples of CdVA group, the value (93.97±0.07µg/ml) increased then followed by the gill (67.72±0.13µg/ml). In CdVC, the GSH production level in the gill (39.76±0.07µg/ml) was relatively higher than livers and kidneys of the samples. In CdVE, the kidney produced the highest GSH value of 32.89±0.10µg/ml. The elicitation and utilization of the antioxidant at one point or the other were adopted by the fish in dealing with the effects of the toxicant especially in the presence of the vitamins. Higher concentrations of the vitamins could facilitate the understanding of the effects of the vitamins in mitigating the effects of the toxicant.

Effect of alternate feeding of normal and low protein diet on the growth performance and biochemical composition of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted with Clarias gariepinus fingerlings to evaluate the effects of alternate mixed feeding schedules of normal and low protein diets on growth and feed utilization. Two experimental diets with crude protein levels of 45% (Diet A – normal protein) and 35% (Diet B – low protein) were prepared using locally available feed ingredients. Four different feeding schedules were implemented: Diet A throughout (T1), 1-day Diet A followed by 1-day Diet B (T2), 2-days Diet A followed by 1-day Diet B (T3), and 1-dayDietA followed by 2-days Diet B (T4). The fish were fed 5% of their body weight twice daily throughout the experiment. The results showed no significant difference in the growth and feed utilization parameters except for the protein efficiency ratio. T4 recorded the highest value for weight gain, specific growth rate, feed and protein efficiency ratio. Similarly, T4 recorded the best feed conversion ratio. Hence, the study showed that alternate feeding of normal and low protein diets has no negative effect on fish growth performance with a possibility of reducing feed cost.

Effects of light matrix organics (probiotic) on the growth, feed digestibility, carcass and blood parameters of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus

Cameroon’s fish protein consumption levels remain inadequate due to low fish production. The effects of Light Matrix Organics (LMO), a probiotic combination on the growth performance, feed digestibility, blood and carcass composition of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus were investigated. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer health benefits on the host. A basal diet was formulated and supplemented with LMO at 0.0 ml/kg (T0) as control; 1.66 ml/kg (T1); 2.49 ml/kg (T2); 3.32 ml/kg (T3) and 4.15 ml/kg (T4) and fed to 340 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings in two blocks (with average fish weights of 1.00±0.40 g and 0.1±0.05 g respectively), for sixty (60) days in replicate plastic tanks. Fish were fed twice daily at 4% body weight. Results show that the Mean weight gain, Specific growth rate and Protein efficiency ratio were significantly highest (P<0.05) in fish fed diets supplemented with LMO at 4.15 ml/kg (T4) and lowest in T0 (control). Apparent Digestibility Coefficients (ADC) of C. gariepinus for Dry Matter% and Crude Protein% decreased significantly in the general order: T4>T3>T2>T1>T0, except for Crude Protein which was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T3 than in T4. ADC Lipid% was higher (P<0.05) in both T2 and T4 than in all other treatments while ADC Energy was highest (P<0.05) in T2. Blood parameters were significantly higher (P<0.05) in LMO supplemented diets except for haematocrit (Ht) and red blood cells (RBC). Carcass nutrients differed significantly with LMO supplemented diets producing significantly lower (P≤0.05) fat but storing more energy than fish on the control diet. Incorporating LMO in treatment T2 was significantly more (P<0.05) economically efficient than other treatments. The supplementary use of LMO at the rate of 2.49ml/kg fish feed is therefore recommended based on the high economic efficiency and above average growth performance.
 Key words: probotic, light matrix organics, Clarias gariepinus, growth performance, digestibility, economic efficiency.

Growth response and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed diets supplemented with processed flamboyant (Delonix regia) leaf meal

Expanding utilization of conventional fish feed ingredients by man and fish feed industries has necessitated consideration of cheaper and locally available alternatives. A 70-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effect of substituting graded levels of sundried flamboyant (Delonix regia) leaf meal (SFLM) for groundnut cake on growth and feed utilization of 240 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings at six substitution levels of 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% in 12 plastic aquaria (50 × 40 × 40 cm). Each dietary treatment was randomly assigned in two replicates each to the aquaria making 12 treatment units and each aquarium had 20 fish. SFLM supplemented diets and fish carcass were proximately analyzed using standard procedures. Mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05. Crude protein was highest (68.89%) in fish fed with diet 4, least (64.61%) in fish fed with diet 1 (control) and significantly (p < 0.05) exceeded 60.54% of the pre-treatment fish carcass. Fish fed with diet 3 had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of MWG (11.73 g), SGR (2.13%/day) and superior FCR (0.451) above which growth and feed utilization indices progressively declined with increase in the substitution level of SFLM. This study revealed that 40% substitution level of the SFLM resulted in the best growth and feed utilization in C. gariepinus. The study demonstrated the considerable potential of flamboyant leaf meal as an alternative protein source, therefore other processing methods are recommended to increase its utilization, reduce feed cost and maximize aquaculture profitability.

Comparison of nutrients and fatty acid of wild and hatchery fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus fed five formulated feeds and cultured in recirculating aquaculture system

Wild and hatchery fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were cultured in recirculated aquaculture system. They were fed five diets composed of fish meal: poultry by-product meal at a ratio of 100:0%, 75:25%, 50:50%, 25:75% and 0:100%, respectively. The gross chemical composition showed no significant differences in the flesh of wild and hatchery fingerlings in composition, except that the fat content of 25:75% diet was significantly higher (p

Growth performance and feed utilisation in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed graded levels of melon (Citrillus lanatus) seed peel meal-supplemented die

A fifty-six (56) day experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed with six iso-nitrogenous diets in which oven-dried melon (Citrillus lanatus) seed peel meal (MSPM) was substituted for yellow maize at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% inclusion levels. A total of 270 fingerlings of C. gariepinus (mean weight: 7.40 ± 0.02 g) were randomly allocated into eighteen plastic bowls (50-litre capacity) at 15 fish per bowl and fed the control and experimental diets twice daily at 5% of their body weight. Proximate composition of melon seed peel meal-supplemented diets and fish carcass was determined using standard procedures. Results showed that crude protein was highest (60.75%) in fish fed diet 2 (20% MSPMsupplemented diet) and least (58.21%) in fish fed diet 4 (60% MSPM-supplemented diet). Fish fed diet 2 (20%MSPM-supplemented diet) had statistically (p < 0.05) superior values of MWG (48.27 g), SGR (1.56%/day) and FCR (0.48) beyond which growth and feed utilization indices gradually declined with increased level of MSPM inclusion. This study demonstrated that 20% substitution level of oven-dried melon seed peel meal produced the best growth and feed utilization in C. gariepinus.
 Keywords: Melon seed peel, Clarias gariepinus, Growth performance, Feed utilization

Housefly Maggot Meal as a Potent Bioresource for Fish Feed to Facilitate Early Gonadal Development in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell,1822)

Food security is threatened by the global increase of human population, climate change, inequality of wealth distribution, the state of natural resources, peace and sustainability, among others. Aquaculture has become an important part of the food supply, hence contributing to food security. Sustainable fish production, which represents an important affordable protein supply, should therefore involve feed formulation and production techniques that are not dependent on fish meal as the protein source. It is on this basis that bioeconomy becomes very important to promote the resourceful use of biomass for feed, food, biomaterials, and bioenergy. This study presents housefly maggot meal as an efficient alternative protein source to fishmeal and a valuable bioresource. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings (male and female) were fed maggot meal supplemented diets for 24 weeks and we assessed their growth and gonadal development. The findings of this study revealed that maggot-meal-enhanced diets promoted growth and faster gonadal development in fish. Maggot meal represents a quality alternative protein source to fish meal and an excellent bioresource, which can help us attain sustainable aquaculture production.

INVESTMENT PROSPECTS IN INTEGRATED FISH CUM POULTRY FARMING SYSTEM

The study examined the feasibility of a small scale integrated fish cum poultry farming project utilizing concrete tank of 4 x 4.8x3.5m. 900 post fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus (52 2.7g) were stocked in 3 concrete tanks at the rate of 1fish per 5m2 and fed diets containing 38% (Diet 1). 33% (Diet 2) and 31% (Diet 3) crude protein levels. Three battery cages containing 15 laying birds were installed on each tank. The birds were fed with layer mash (CP 18%) while the fish were fed with 300kg of fresh maggots and pelleted feed. At the end of 213days, growth response and nutrient utilization of fish were based on Average daily weight gain, (DWG 4.48) relative growth rate (RGR 1834.27) and specific growth rate (SGR 1.39). Final weight ranged from 949.2g to 963.2g. Daily weight ranged from 4.46g to 4.52g. Feed cost for fish was drastically reduced while revenue from poultry was significantly increased. The profitability analysis of the operation showed that table size Charias production generated return to investment of 31.19%, a rate of return on fixed cost 163.79% and a rate of return on variable cost of (161.07). The financial analysis reveals a viable investment.

Research on Evaluation of the Ameliorative Roles of Vitamins A, C and E on Malondialdehyde Production in Clarias Gariepinus (BURCHELL, 1822) Fingerlings Exposed to Camium Chloride

Research on Evaluation of the Ameliorative Roles of Vitamins A, C and E on Malondialdehyde Production in Clarias Gariepinus (BURCHELL, 1822) Fingerlings Exposed to Camium Chloride

Effects of two feeding rates on the growth performance and survivability of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed on Skretting fish feed

Two feeding rates; 5% body weight and feeding to satiation were evaluated to determine their effects on the growth performance and survivability of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. The objective of the study was to determine which feeding rate was more beneficial to the fish farmer in terms of fish weight gain, length gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survivability of the catfish fingerlings. The study was carried out with 600 Clarias gariepinus fingerlings of mean weight 2.23 ± 0.10 g and mean length 6.58 ± 0.01 cm kept in six 1 m3 rectangular tanks labeled A to E and containing 100 fingerlings each. Fingerlings in tanks A, B and C were three replicates fed with 1.8 mm Skretting fish feed at 5% body weight while fingerlings in tanks D, E and F also three replicates, were fed to satiation with the same feed for 30 days. Water quality parameters; temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen were monitored. Body weight, length, and survivability were recorded every 5 days at 0, 5, 10,15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Results showed that water quality parameters and survival rates did not significantly differ(p>0.05) between the 5% body weight feeding rate group and the group fed to satiation. The average weight gain (26.11± 3.65 g), length gain (6.11± 0.20 cm), specific growth rate (5.96 ± 0.15%) and feed conversion ratio (1.1) of the 5% body weight feeding rate group differed significantly (p< 0.05) from those of the group fed to satiation; 16.16 ± 3.04 g, 4.44 ± 0.40 cm, 4.58 ± 0.17% and 1.3 respectively. It was concluded that feeding fingerlings by 5% body weight was of better economic importance to the fish farmer and was therefore recommended to be practiced for profitability and sustainable fish culture development.