Growth performance, length – weight relationship and condition factor of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> fed <i>Anisophyllea laurina</i> seed meal substitute

Abstract

Length-weight relationships are of significance as an important tool for the assessment of the growth pattern of fish species and the condition in which they grow. This study evaluates the biological parameters (’a, b, and r²’) as well as length-weight relationship and condition factor of 150 specimens of Clarias gariepinus fed dietary inclusion of Anisophyllea laurina seed meal. The values of the regression coefficient ‘b’ obtained for the length-weight relationship for the five treatments were 3.3, 3.03, 3.0, 2.9 and 2.7 with corresponding coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.8313, 0.9517, 0.9629, 0.9223, and 0.8726. T4 and T5 exhibited a negative allometric growth pattern. In addition, T1, T2 and T3 demonstrated isometric growth and displayed the ideal shape of fish. The  regression equation for the LWR was (W=32.72+ 0.32), revealing a significant correlation between the variables. The coefficient of determination shows a significant relationship (r² = 0.95) between length and weight of T2 and T3 (25% and 50% ASM inclusions) and other treatments. The species are found to be in a good condition as shown by the condition factor which was k >1. In conclusion, the results revealed that Anisophyllea laurina seed meal could serve as substitute source of vital nutrient and antioxidant ingredients with health benefits at 25% and 50% levels.

Keywords: Isometric growth; regression coefficient; correlation of determination; antioxidant