Growth performance and feed utilization of <i>Heterobranchus Bidorsalis</i> X </i>Clarias Gariepinus</i> fingerlings fed boiled <i>Vigna Subterranean</i>

Abstract

Growth and nutrient studies were carried out on the hybrid of Heterobranchus bidorsalis x Clarias gariepinus totaling 150 fingerlings of mean initial weight 7.28-7.30g stocked at 10 fingerlings into rectangular plastic aquarium tanks 30x15cmx15cm for 120 days. This study examined five treatments; diet T₁ (control diet) contained raw bambara nut meal (BNM) while diets T₂ - T₅ contained bambara nut seed boiled at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes respectively and then processed into a meal before inclusion. The effect of varied boiled BNM was evaluated on the growth performance and feed utilization by the experimental fish. The result showed that daily weight gain of 0.35g and nutrients utilization were significantly (p<0.05 ) better in fish fed with bambara nut meal boiled at 90 minutes (dietT₄) than the control ( diet T₁) and others. The protein efficiency ratio was not significantly different (P>0.05) among all the treatments, while daily weight gain of 0.35g, mean weight gain of 26.40g, and feed intake of 3.03 were all lowest in fish fed with diet T₁. Water change was effected every two days, dissolved oxygen (5.50mg/l) temperature (25⁰c) PH (7.7-7.8) and conductivity (2.30) were all within the optimal range for fish culture. It is recommended that the 90 minutes boiling time is adequate to enhance the nutritive value of bambara seed in fish feed.