Authors : Nabulime Margaret, Kahwa David, Rutaisire Justus and Kabasa John David
Abstract: In this study, we envisage that developing suitable feed for fish hatcheries from indigenous feedstuffs reduces production costs and creates income. Whereas such feedstuffs in Uganda are suitable for starter feed, they fail to attract Clarias gariepinus (C. gariepinus) larvae to feed. Knowledge gaps in feedstuffs’ properties and presentation limit intake and consequently stunted larval growth. This study evaluated indigenous fish baits and specifically assessed their potential to induce feeding behavior in C. gariepinus larvae, determined amino acid profiles of selected baits and selected the most suitable for further evaluation of feeding attraction to larvae. Methods comprised larvae behavioral feeding trials and profiling of amino acids in indigenous fishing baits including Zingiber officinale (ginger), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Abelmoschus esculentus (okra), Hibiscus sabdariffa (malakwang), Lumbricus terrestris (earthworms), Biomphalaria choanompala (lake-snails) and Chlorella species (algae). Data were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis and scree tests. Results showed significant differences in attraction among baits p = 0.001 at 95% confidence level, preference for ginger based rations followed by earthworms, okra and malakwang rations. A cluster comprising ginger, earthworms and control was significantly different (R2 = 0.9683) from algae, snail and turmeric and control cluster. Comparison of amino acids concentration in ginger and earthworm gave p>0.05, for proline, aspartic acid, leucine, valine and glutamic acid. Therefore, behavioral and amino acid properties of ginger and earthworms showed prospects for inclusion in local starter rations for C. gariepinus.
Nabulime Margaret, Kahwa David, Rutaisire Justus and Kabasa John David, 2021. Ethological and Amino Acid Properties of Indigenous Fishing Baits for Clarias gariepinus Hatchery Feed Development. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 20: 174-184.