Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria
Sotolu, A.O., Nasarawa State University Keffi, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Shabu-Lafia Campus, Lafia, Nigeria
Breeding performance of Clarias gariepinus under different dietary crude protein (CP) levels 30%, 35%, 40% and a broodstock diet (imported feed) as the control. Female broodstocks were subsequently induced for breeding and were stripped after 11 hours latency period. Weight of eggs stripped increased with increase in dietary protein levels and no broodstock mortality was recorded. Hatchability rate was highest in fish fed 40% C.P (90.33± 0.44%) which was only marginally different from fish fed 35% CP (89.42± 0.01%) while fish fed 30% CP diet had the least hatchability rate (84.70± 0.12%). Advanced frys were monitored for 3 weeks under intensive feeding and frys from fish fed 40% CP dietary level had superior mean weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio indicating sufficient level of nutrient for gonad development while fry from fish fed 35% CP diet only had marginally different specific growth rate compared with the former (p>0.05). This study revealed that dietary protein level at 35% CP was able to ensure fish growth maintenance, while 40% CP diet sustained the fish further to ensure proper gonadal development and maturation and consequently, superior performance of the hatchlings.