Growth performance and nutrient utilization of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> fingerlings fed sweet potato peels fermented at different durations

Abstract

Conventional sources of protein are becoming in adequate for protein-based food supply. Non-conventional sources are of much concern, but literature is sparse on protein quality of fermented sweet potato peel biomass. Hence this study investigates the potentials of anaerobic fermented sweet potato peel in the diets of Clarias gariepinus. Four diets were formulated at 40% crude protein level containing different duration of fermented sweet potato peels (3 days, 6 days and 9 days) designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. The study lasted for 10 weeks. Each treatment contained 15 fingerling having an average weight of 4.54 ± 0.06g with three replicate per treatment. Test fish in each tank were fed 5% of their biomass twice daily. At the end of the experiment, proximate composition and growth parameters were analyzed. Result showed that fish fed T1 (3 Days fermentation) compared favourably with the control diet (P ˂ 0.05). Fish fed control diet had the best specific growth rate (0.34±0.11a) and feed efficiencies (protein efficiency ratio, 0.28±0.03 and food conversion ratio, 7.78±0.13). The result of the proximate analysis of the sweet potato peel fermented for  different duration showed that the percentage composition of ash, fibre and protein content decreased insignificantly while the moisture and carbohydrate content increased insignificantly. From this study it has shown that 3 days fermentation of sweet potato peel can be incorporated into the diet of Clarias gariepinus without any adverse effect on the growth performance.