ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to determine the best commercial fish feed for the rapid growth and survival of cultured Clarias gariepinus. A total number of sixty four (64) Clarias gariepinus juveniles were used for this study. The juveniles reared were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: Treatment A ((Vital feed), Treatment B (Multi feed), Treatment C (CHI feed) and Treatment D(Skretting feed). Each treatment was replicated two times in a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for 9 weeks during which the parameters monitored included weight gain, length increase, percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% significant level. The results revealed that the highest weight gain was recorded by the fish fed with Skretting feed (73.52g) followed by those fed with Multi feed (58.04g), while least in those fed with CHI (31.92g). The highest length increase was recorded by the fish fed with Skretting (10.97cm) followed by those fed with multi (9.63 cm), while least in those fed with CHI (6.17 cm).The percentage weight gain of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was highest (691.07) in those fed with Skretting followed by those fed with Multi (539.30) while least in those fed with CHI (300.83). The specific growth rate of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was highest (6.82±0.17) in those fed with Skretting followed by those fed with Multi (6.44±0.15) while least in those fed with CHI (5.48±0.34). The best feed conversion ratio was recorded in Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with Skretting (1.17±0.01) followed by those fed with multi feed (1.23±0.03) while least in those fed with CHI (1.53±0.25). The best value for protein efficiency ratio was recorded in the Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with the Skretting (1.37±0.11) while the poorest protein efficiency ratio was evident in those fed with CHI (0.95±0.16. The juveniles fed with CHI and Vital feeds had the highest survival (93.75%) while least in those of Skretting and Multi (87.50%). It was concluded that among the four commercial fish feeds studied, Skretting fish feed is the best for rearing Clarias gariepinus in Nigeria.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
With global population expansion, the demand for high quality animal protein is rising dramatically (Yisa et al., 2006). Increased aquaculture production is clearly needed to meet this demand, because capture fisheries are showing serious decline due to over fishing, aquatic habitat destruction and pollution (FAO, 2004). World capture fisheries have been in a stable state throughout much of the past decades, and it has been estimated that maximum capture fisheries potential from global waters has been reached. In 2007, as many as 50 percent of stocks were labeled as fully exploited (FAO, 2008).
Fish is an important and the cheapest source of animal protein and account for about 37% of Nigeria total protein requirement (FAO, 2002). Fish provides approximately 16% of the animal protein consumed by the world population (FAO, 1997). It is particularly an important protein source where livestock is relatively scarce. Billions of people mostly in developing countries depend on fish as a primary source of animal protein (FAO, 2000). FAO estimated that by the year 2010, demand of fish will increase by 13.5%-18.5% or to about 105-110% millions metric tons (FAO, 2000). Further increase in capture fisheries are not anticipated under the current global condition (Ounham et al., 2001). Faturoti (1999) noted that recent trends all over the world pointed to a decline from capture fisheries which are all indicators that fish stock have approached or even exceeded point of maximum sustainable yield. The Food and Agriculture Organization recommended that an individual takes 3 series per capture of animal protein per day for sustainable growth and development (FAO). However, the animal protein consumption in Nigeria is less than 8g per person per day which is a far cry from the FAO recommendation. The rapid growth of Nigeria population has lead to insufficiency in supply of animal protein food. Fish is a major source
