The Growth and Body Composition of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Fed Combined Different Sources of Lipid

Attempt in reducing the high cost of feeding in aquaculture through the use of energy rich oils was taken as a means of protein sparing in a feeding trial. Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus with an average weight of 3.28 plus or minus 0.72g fed three formulated diets and a control (commercial feed-Multifeed), Diet 2 (45% Lipid and 50%CP), Diet 3 (45%Lipid and 40%CP) and Diet 4 (45% Lipid and 30%CP). Results obtained showed significant difference in the mean weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and specific growth rate compared with control diet (commercial catfish diet). However, diet 4 exhibited highest mortality rate which rendered it inefficient. Diet 4 also gave significantly high body lipid, and correspondingly low body crude protein than diets 2 and 3. Inferences from this study recommended inclusion of combined varying levels of palm oil, groundnut oil and fish oil in the diets of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings for efficient growth at 45:40 Lipid: Protein ratio (diet 3) beyond which there is adverse effects on the growth and survival of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.