EFFECTS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION LEVELS OF TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus) SEED ON GROWTH, SURVIVAL AND REPRODUCTIVE INDICES OF Clarias gariepinus BROODSTOCK

Abstract

The dietary effect of Cyperus esculentus seed powder was examined on the growth performance, survival and
reproductive indices of Clarias gariepinus. Eighty (80) male and female catfish broodstock (400±0.00g) were
obtained for the experiment, fed twice daily at 3% body weight for 56 days. Five diets with crude protein of 45%
were formulated with different inclusion levels of C. esculentus seed powder; Control, TNSM 2 (0.5), TNSM 3
(1.0), TNSM 4 (2.0), and TNSM 5 (3%). Phytochemical screening, water quality, growth performance and
reproductive indices were measured using standard methods. Phytochemical screening of C. esculentus revealed
the presence of saponins, flavonoids, protein, tannins, steroids, phenol and glucosinolates while alkaloids were
not detected. The values of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen recorded were within the acceptable limits for
culture water. The treated groups had better values in weight gain, percentage weight gain, and specific growth
rate and feed conversion ratio when compared to the control diet. The reproductive indices show a significant
(P<0.05) increase in the treated groups than the control. This result revealed that dietary inclusion of C.
esculentus seed powder enhances growth and improves fertility in Clarias gariepinus which will improve the
quantity of its seed production.