Effect of varying levels of fermented sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>) on growth and haematology profiles of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

Abstract

The availability of suitable and economical feeds is a major constraint to sustainable fish farming in Nigeria and it is a source of discouragement to many prospective fish farmers. Addressing the problem and making fish farming more attractive and sustainable; information should be available especially on feed sources that are less competitive and of low cost value. Feed sources, virtually those of plant origin are found to have anti-nutritional factors which inhibit the growth of fish. However, fermentation has been employed to reduce the effects of anti-nutritional factors in feed ingredients. This study evaluates the growth and haematological performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed fermented sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The sorghum was fermented in solid state form for five days. Four diets; A, B, C, and D were formulated containing 0% (control), 50%, 75%, and 100% fermented sorghum substituted diets respectively. The diets were fed to C. gariepinus fingerlings, average weight of 6.79±0.20g for ten weeks. The mean weight gain were significantly different (p<0.05) with diet D having the highest (26.54±2.09g), followed by diet B (23.23±4.02g). Diets B and C had 100% survival rate while diet D had the lowest (93.33%), however, with no significant difference (p>0.05). The haematology profiles of the experimental fish indicated significant differences in all the parameters examined. The white blood cells and albumin were highest for diet D with 3.57±0.15 and 23.97±1.86g/l and lowest for diet C with 3.20±0.20 and 18.74±2.02g/l respectively. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) as carbohydrate source in fish diet at 75% fermented combined with 25% unfermented might be a better alternative source of energy in catfish, C. gariepinus diet.