BODY COMPOSITION AND GROWTH INDICES OF Clarias gariepinus FED Musa paradisiaca

Abstract

This study examined the proximate composition, mineral constituents and growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fed different inclusion levels of banana bract. Ninety-six juveniles of C. gariepinus from the same stock were randomly stocked at 8 fish per tank as Diet 1 (0% control), Diet 2 (30%), Diet 3 (45%), and Diet 4 (60%), each with 3 replicates representing the dietary levels. The experiment was carried out for 8 weeks. Growth parameters such as daily Mean Weight Gain, weekly Mean Weight Gain (MWG), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Condition factor, Survival Rate, and Body Weight Gain were determined. The result obtained indicated that the crude protein compositions (65.76% – 70.28%) for experimental fish and (41.4% - 49.48%) for the experimental diet were within the standard range. The concentration of Ca and Mn were not statistically different (P>0.05) in all the fish fed the experimental diets. The survival rate varied significantly between 70.37±1.42% (Diet 4) and 87.50±2.64% (Diet 2). The mean weight gain was positive; indicating that significant growth occurred in fish fed the experimental diets. This study therefore concludes that banana bract has great nutritional potential for meeting fish needs.