Effects of feeding frequency on growth, feed efficiency and economic viability of rearing African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) fingerlings and juveniles

Abstract

Feeding frequency effect on growth performance, feed utilization and economic viability of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings and juveniles were studied under natural photoperiods of 12/12 h light/dark cycle using a complete random design. Triplicate group of 10 fish with an initial mean weight of 8.5±0.1 and 34.3±0.1 g, respectively per tank (measuring 52 × 33.5 × 21 cm). A commercial feed (COPPENS) with crude protein of 42% and ether extract 12% was fed for 8 weeks over four feeding frequencies studied (once, twice, thrice and four times). Mean weight gain, relative growth rate and the specific growth rate were all significantly different (P 0.05) different. The results of this experiment, both at the juvenile and fingerling stages indicate that fish could be fed three times a day with maximum growth and profit. Key words: Feeding frequency, feed utilization, growth, economic viability, Clariasgariepinus.