Nutrient Utilization And Growth Responses Of The Frys Of The African Hybrid Catfish (<i>Clarias Gariepinus</i> X <i>Heterobranchus Bidorsalis</i>) To Inorganic Phosphorus Supplements

Abstract

Sixteen triplicate diets each supplemented with either of 4 inorganic phosphorus (P) sources (monosodium phosphate, monopotassium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate) at 0.40%, 0.60%, 0.80% or 1.20% level were fed to frys of the African hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus x Heterobranchus bidorsalis) (weighing 2.80 ± 0.11 g) at 5% body weight in aquaria for 70 days. A non-P-supplemented diet and a purified diet served as controls. Growth of fish was monitored by weekly protein intake, protein efficiency ratio, nitrogen metabolism, feed conversion, specific growth rate and gain or loss of tissue protein. Proximate composition of the diet was determined. The results showed that the parameters varied significantly (P < 0.05) among (a) the 18 test diets, (b) the sources of inorganic phosphorus and (c) the duration of experiment. The results also indicated that monosodium phosphate was a better source of inorganic phosphorus supplement in the hybrid's diets than other sources. The hybrids responded nutritionally better to control diets than the P-supplemented diets.


Key words: Inorganic dietary phosphorus, African hybrid catfish, monosodium phosphate


Journal Of Agriculture And Social Research Vol. 5 (1) 2005: 107-117
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