Comparative Study of Growth Performance Feed Utilization of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed on four different Commercial Feeds

Abstract

The efficiency of commercial fish feeds is a major determinant of growth performance and profitability in intensive aquaculture. This study compared the growth performance, feed utilization, and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles fed four commercial fish feeds. A total of 120 juveniles (mean initial weight 12.5 ± 0.3 g) were stocked in twelve tanks using a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments and three replicates each. Fish were fed at 5% body weight per day for eight weeks. Growth parameters evaluated included weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments. Feed B produced the highest weight gain, best FCR, and highest SGR, while Feed D recorded the lowest performance. Survival rates were high and did not differ significantly. The results confirm that commercial feeds vary considerably in nutritional efficiency, and appropriate feed selection is essential for optimal African catfish production.

Keywords: African catfish, commercial feeds, growth performance, feed utilization, aquaculture