Growth performance and haematological profiles of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell, 1822) fed fermented sorghum by-product meal

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a source of dietary energy in fish feed. Hence its by-product is studied in this work. Sorghum by-product was fermented at varying periods (3, 5 and 7days). Four isoproteic (40% crude protein) diets were formulated containing the fermented product to replace maize meal. The diets (3, 5 and 7 days fermented sorghum by-product (FSB)) were fed to Clarias gariepinus fingerlings with average weight (5.96 ± 0.4g) for 12 weeks at 5% body weight. The weight, survival and nutrients utilization were monitored biweekly. The result shows that fingerlings fed 7days FSB had the highest mean weight gain of 38.30 ± 0.58g while the lowest was recorded in the fish fed control diet 27.58 ± 0.45g. The percentage survival rate was highest in the fish fed maize meal and 3days FSB with 93.3% while lowest was recorded in fish fed 7days FSB with 83.30%. The nutrients utilization showed significant difference (p<0.05) in fish fed fermented sorghum by-product diets compared to those fed control diet. Highest feed intake, feed conversion ratio, protein intake and the protein efficiency ratio were recorded in the fish fed 7 days FSB diet while the lowest was in those fed control diet. There was variation in some of the haematological parameters. The highest packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell and white blood cell were observed in group C with 21.00, 7.06, 7.80 and 6.51%, respectively, while the lowest was recorded in the fish fed maize meal with 12.68, 2.90, 6.20 and 4.33%. The cost benefit analysis of the experiment indicated that fish fed diet containing 7days FSB had the highest net profit, profit index and the lowest incidence of cost compared to fish fed other diets. From the result of the study, 7days FSB will be ideal for catfish culture.