Abstract:
Fish farming represents a significant and viable solution to Nigeria’s protein deficiency issue; however, the substantial cost of feed remains a formidable impediment. This research assesses the comparative impact of commercial feed and specially formulated diets on the growth and biochemical indicators of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (catfish) fingerlings. Proximate composition analysis of fish waste (FW), guinea corn (GC), groundnut cake (GNC), and bone meal (BM) was conducted to formulate diets. Using the Pearson’s square method, three diets were created: Diet A (3 parts FW to 1 part GC), Diet B (3 parts GNC to 1 part GC), and Diet C (equal parts FW, GNC, and GC). Standard methods determined proximate composition, amino acid composition, and mineral content of the formulated diets. A commercial feed (Coppens) served as the control diet. Forty 2-gram fingerlings were divided into four groups of ten and subjected to different diets. The first group received the commercial feed, while the other groups were given the experimental diets. Over 49 days, each group was fed 5% of their average body weight twice daily in an aquarium. Changes in weight, length, biochemical, and hematological parameters were monitored. The proximate composition analysis of ingredients indicated higher protein levels in FW (59.90±0.26%) compared to GC, GNC, and BM. Formulated diet A exhibited significantly higher protein content (44.12±0.15%) than other formulations (B and C) but lower compared to the control diet. Amino acid composition and mineral content analysis revealed greater levels in formulated diet A than other formulations (B and C), though still lower than the control diet. Fingerlings fed formulated diet A demonstrated superior body weight and length (21.93±0.13 g; 14.97±0.24 cm) compared to other groups (B and C) but slightly lower than the control diet group (22.77±0.15 g; 15.07±0.25 cm). Biochemical parameters indicated significantly higher total serum protein in fingerlings on formulated diet A (19.52±0.21 g/dl) compared to other formulated diets (B and C), yet lower than the control diet group (20.35±0.13 g/dl). ALP, AST, and ALT values were notably lower in fingerlings fed formulated diet A than those on diets B and C, with no significant difference from the control diet group. Hematological parameters showed that fingerlings on formulated diet A had significantly higher values for RBC, hemoglobin, and PCV, except for WBC, which was lower compared to other formulated diets (B and C) but still less than the control diet group. Formulated diet A demonstrated superior protein levels, biochemical and hematological parameters, and growth performance for catfish fingerlings, making it a favorable alternative for rearing.
ASSESSING GROWTH AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF HETEROBRANCHUS BIDORSALIS (CATFISH) FINGERLINGS,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
