Effect of Mixed Feeding Schedules with Varying Dietary Crude Protein Levels on the Growth and Feed Utilization of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings
Abstract:
A-56 day growth trial was conducted to investigate the effect of mixed feeding schedules with different dietary crude protein levels on growth and feed utilization of fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus. Three experimental diets of 25, 30 and 35% crude protein designated as Low Protein (LP), Medium Protein (MP) and High Protein (HP) diets, respectively were prepared using locally available feed ingredients. Four different feeding schedules of high-protein diet continuously (HP), medium-protein diet continuously (MP), low-protein diet continuously (LP) and mixed feeding of 1-day low-protein/1-day high-protein (1LP/1HP) were tested. Fingerlings of mean weight 1.24±0.11 g were stocked in 12 plastic aquaria tanks of 65 L in capacity at 10 fish tank-1. Fish were fed twice daily at 3% b.wt. day-1. Fish fed continuously on HP had significantly (p<0.05) highest growth rate and feed utilization among treatments. However, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the growth rates and feed utilization of fish fed 1-day low-protein/1-day high-protein (1LP/1HP) and those fed continuously on MP. Fish fed continuously on LP had the least growth and feed utilization. This study showed that feeding C. gariepinus continuously with 35% CP diet is more economical than the mixed feeding schedule with LP and HP diets.
M.A. Adewolu and A.J. Adoti, 2010. Effect of Mixed Feeding Schedules with Varying Dietary Crude Protein Levels on the Growth and Feed Utilization of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings. Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 5: 304-310.
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