Growth Response of Clarias gariepinus Post Fingerlings Fed Various Dietary Protein and Digestible Energy Levels

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to determine the growth response of Clarias gariepinus post fingerlings to four protein level (25%, 30%, 35% and 40%) by two energy level (2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg) so as to be able to estimate the response of the various fish fed with the diets containing this varying protein and digestible energy levels, their growth performance and protein utilization. Eight experimental diets were formulated and used to feed the post fingerlings for a period of 70 days in three replicate for each treatment. The feed and fish carcasses were analyzed for proximate composition of the post fingerlings. Parameters such as Specific Growth Rate (SGR), weekly weight gain (WWG) as well as Percentage Weight gain (PEWG) recorded the best weight gain at a crude protein of 40% and Digestible energy (kcal/kg) DE of 3000 while the least value for weight gain was recorded at 30% CP at 2800DE. An increase in PEWG was recorded across the various crude protein levels except at 35% CP and 40% CP at 3000DE and 2800DE respectively. The feed with 30% CP at 3000DE constantly maintained the fifth position and that with 35% CP with 3000DE maintained the third position according to TWG, SGR, RWG and PEWG.