Groundnut oil supplementation effect on growth and reproductive performance of African catfish, <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell, 1822) broodstock

Abstract

An investigation was carried out on the effect of Fish Oil (FO) replacement with varying Groundnut Oil (GO) levels (0% T0, 25% T1, 50% T2, 75% T3 and 100% T4, respectively) in the diet of Clarias gariepinus, on growth and reproductive performances. Forty five 6-month old broodstock, averagely weighing 380.42 g, were randomly distributed into 15 concrete tanks, at a ratio of 2 female: 1 male in triplicates. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated and fed to fish at 4% body weight, twice daily, for 168 days. Weight gain (234.21 g) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T0, followed by T2 (225.12 g). Feed conversion ratio was significantly low (P < 0.05) in T0 (2.20), but highest in T4 (4.18). Gonadosomatic index highest value was recorded in T0, for male and female (0.98% and 10.00% respectively). Milt concentration and percentages fertilization were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in T0 (205.75 x 10⁶/ml and 86.86%, respectively), but low in T4 (185.00 x 10⁶/ml and 70.05%, respectively). Carcass protein and lipid was highest in T0 (66.13% and 5.98%, respectively) while T2 had the highest ash content (4.95%). Results of this study revealed that GO can successfully replace up to 50% FO in the diet of C. gariepinus broodstock for optimal performance.