Effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum on the Growth Performance, Haematological Parameters and Carcass Composition of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

• T.M. Oladipupo

  Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

The nutritional value of feeding Clarias gariepinus with various levels of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf meal was assessed for 56 days. Five diets containing 40% crude protein were formulated with different levels of B. pinnatum at (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) inclusion denoted as (DI-D5). Two hundred and twenty-five (225) C. gariepinus fingerlings with mean weight of 7.85±0.10g were randomly selected and distributed into 15 glass tanks at the rate of 15 fish per tank representing five treatments and three replicates. The results revealed that significant differences (P ˂0.05) were observed in all the growth performances. Fish on D2 had the best growth performance compared to other treatments and control. A reduction in growth as the B. pinnatum increased beyond 0.5 g/kg was observed. Varying inclusion levels of B. pinnatum in the diets improved the blood profile and carcass composition of the fish as there were significant differences (P ˂0.05) in the parameters tested. This study therefore recommends that C. gariepinus should be fed on a B. pinnatum supplemented diet at 0.5 g/kg to enhance their growth performance and nutrient utilization without any negative effect on the fish.

1. T.M. Oladipupo, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

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