Abstract

Aquaculture production is considered as the future global solution to declining wild fish capture. However, insufficient production of fish due to lack of affordable quality feeds is a major challenge in aquaculture development. The study investigated the growth performance of fingerlings of African mudcatfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed on some nutritional diets (Fish meal, Soya bean meal, Feather meal and Poultry meal). The diets were formulated to contain 40% feed additives and 60% local feed ingredients. A total of 120 fingerlings with mean weight 0.362 ± 0.089 g were obtained and the experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. Water quality parameters were recorded, while the nutritive values of the diets were determined using recommended methods. Effects of the feed on specific growth rate (SGR%), survival rate (SR%) and water quality parameters was determined. Results indicated that water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH were within the acceptable range. Nutritional composition of the diets ranged as follows; crude protein: 31.3 – 50.6%, ash: 12 – 21.4%, fat: 5.6 – 9.1%, moisture: 8.2 – 12.2%, fibre: 4.9 – 8%. The energy content ranged from 1937.5 – 2593.4 Kcal/kg and the fish body weight increased progressively throughout the experimental period which was significantly higher at the end of the experiment (Mean = 3.4 g) compared to the commencement of the experiment (Mean = 0.4 g).