Growth Performance of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Juveniles fed Diets Supplemented with Garlic (<i>Allium sativum</i>) Powder

Abstract

The study investigated effects of graded levels of garlic (Allium sativum) powder supplemented diets on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juveniles. Five treatments comprising of twelve C. gariepinus juveniles of mean weight 7.52±0.00g per treatment were used in the study. Fish in each treatment was fed twice daily with experimental diets formulated with different inclusion levels of garlic powder at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%; designated as control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Fish were fed at 5% of their body weight and feeding trial lasted for 56 days. Analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of culture water was also carried out. Collected data were analysed and results showed that water temperature ranged from 27.0 to 28.5oC, pH ranged between 7.58 and 7.79, dissolved oxygen levels varied from 6.20 to 6.50mg/l, while ammonia content was observed to be between 2.33 and 2.73mg/l. Fish fed 3% garlic inclusion diet had the highest mean weight gain (MWG) of 40.63±30.04g, percentage weight gain (PWG) of 541.73% and specific growth rate (SGR) of 2.79±0.00%/day when compared with those on other treatments. The least PWG (345.25%) and SGR (1.95±0.00) were observed in the control and fish fed 1% garlic inclusion diets. However, MWG values were similar (p > 0.05) in T1 and T4. Fish fed diets with 2% garlic inclusion had the highest FCR (3.22±0.04) while the least value (2.29±0.03) was observed in T3. Results of the crude protein contents of treated fish carcass increased in all dietary treatments. Inference from this study indicated that incorporation of garlic meal in fish diets at 3% inclusion level improved growth performance and proximate composition of C. gariepinus juveniles.

Keywords: Catfish, functional foods, garlic, nutrient utilization, weight gain