Evaluation of pawpaw leaf-based diets (Carica papaya) on growth and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings reared in plastic bowls

200 fingerlings of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of average weight of 22.8~c0.04g were used to investigate the nutritive value of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf-based diets. Five (5) isocaloric and iso-nitrogenous diets containing fishmeal protein at a rate of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% along with the pawpaw leaf were formulated. The diet without the pawpaw leaf meal serves as the control. The fish fingerlings were fed at 5% body weight per day for 56 days in plastic bowls. It was observed at the end of the experiment that pawpaw leaf meal was suitable as a protein supplement when incorporated at 50% replacement. The body weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and food conversion ratio (FCR) values of 18.68g, 1.07%/ day and 4.72 respectively were highest in diet with 50% replacement closely followed by diet with 25% replacement. Based on the results, it could be recommended that in practice 50% replacement of pawpaw leaf meal with fish meal is optimal in practical diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. Nevertheless, complete replacement of pawpaw leaf meal decreases growth rate and should not be used in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Akinwande, A.A., Alatise, P.S., Ayanlude, F.V.
Format:	conference_item biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Fisheries Society of Nigeria 2007
Subjects:	Aquaculture, Clarias gariepinus, Carica papaya, Nigeria, freshwater environment, Fish culture, Feeding experiments, Diets,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/37786
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!