The Effect of Different Energy Source on the Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of different selected energy feed stuff namely; Maize (DT1), Guinea corn (DT2), millet (DT3), and wheat (DT4) on the growth performance and body composition of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell) fingerlings. This energy feedstuff in addition with other feed ingredients was used to formulate four (4) isonitrogenous and isoenergy diets at 40% crude protein. The energy feedstuffs were formulated at 36.31%, 38.26%, 37.09% and 40.05% level of inclusion respectively. The experiment in the ponds used a set of 2 hapas with mesh size 2 mm in each pond measuring 1.62 m2, therefore replicating the experiment 2 times in a completely randomized design The evaluation of the physical parameters revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in moisture, ash, lipid, fibre, protein and nitrogen free extract among the treatment (diets). The diet with maize (DT1) has the highest growth rate followed by diet containing millet (DT3), guinea corn (DT2) and diet containing wheat (DT4) had the lowest growth rate. This study, revealed that, among the energy feedstuffs evaluated maize (DT1) produced better growth parameters and could be recommended for on-farm aqua-feed.