Authors : Erdal Yilmaz , Ahmet Sahin , Ihsan Akyurt and Metin Duru
Abstract: In this study, the effects of five different energetic diets (10.85, 11.82, 12.73, 13.69, and 15.06 MJ DE kg-1 in order) with same protein content (350 g CP per kg diet) on growth and behaviours of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, were investigated. Diets were offered to fishes two times a day as two meals one was at 09:00 and the another one was at 17:00 for 90 days. Behavioural observations were recorded twice a week for a period of 1 h during four successive observations (at between 08:00-09:00, 10:00-11:00, 16:00-17:00, and 18:00-19:00 h) at 10 minutes intervals. Fish consuming the lowest (10.85 MJ DE kg-1) and intermediate energy (12.73 MJ DE kg-1) showed the similar weight gain, but the intermediate energy group provided the best feed and protein efficiency, when compared to others (P<0.05). The dietary energy level affected swimming, resting, grouping and foraging behaviours of African catfish fingerlings during the experimental period (P<0.01) without affecting attention to the servicer. To conclude; when energy content of the diet increased, the feed intake was affected negatively with consequent reduction in growth performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus.
Erdal Yilmaz , Ahmet Sahin , Ihsan Akyurt and Metin Duru , 2005. Effects of Dietary Energy Level on Growth and Behaviours of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Under Experimental Conditions . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 130-134.