Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Catfish {Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings Reared in Structured and Unstructured Water

This study determined the growth performance and feed utilization of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings reared in structured and unstructured water (de-clorinated tap water). Structured Water used for the study was obtained from Innovative Biotech Limited along Abujg - Keffi Road while de - chlorinated tap water (Unstructured Water) from the University environment. Two (2) treatments were replicated, each having three (3) groups. Length - weight measurement were taken using electronic weighing balance, measuring board and a centimeter rule. Some physio - chemical parameters were determined using titrimetric method while water temperature, DO and BOD were determined using Biocotek water portable DO analyzer model JPB - 607A. Water pH and Electric Conductivity were analyzed using JEN WAY portable pH and conductivity meter model number 430. The mean value of temperature for structured water (S W) and Unstructured water (UW) was 27°C while the pH value was 6.96 for SW and 7.51 for UW. DO had mean value of 9.8mg/L in SW and 7.5mg/L in UW. Mean value of conductivity was 62pS in SW and 98.8pS in UW while water hardness recorded a value of 24mg/L in SW and 80mg/L in UW. The mean for BOD was 3.8mg/L in SW and 6.2mg/L in UW. The highest mean weight recorded in S W was 78.1 g and mean length of 19.7cm in S W after the ten (10) weeks experimental period which represents the best growth performance. The highest Specific Growth Rate (SGR) in SW was 33% while the lowest value of 29% was recorded in UW. Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE) had the highest value of 29.4% in SW. The highest Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of 1.6% was recorded in SW while the lowest value of 0.9% was observed in UW. Apparent Net Protein Utilization (ANPU) recorded the highest value of 41% in SW whereas the lowest value of 11.16% was observed in UW. Clarias gariepinus fingerlings performed better in SW than UW with the values of 33% SGR, 78.lg weight and 19.7cm in length. FCE was 29.4%, PER terms of food output and cash value of the fish cultured.