Authors : Olapade Olufemi Julius and Kargbo Mariatu
Abstract: The growth and haematological responses of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell1822) to graded levels of Terminalia catappa (African almond) seed meal (TSM) was investigated. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (40% crude protein) containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% TSM were formulated. Clarias gariepinus juveniles (30.7±0.75) stocked at 10 fish/50 L plastic troughs were fedtwice daily for 112 days. Temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen were the determined water quality variables. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlation and LSD and was separated at 5% probability level. The highest Mean Weight Gain (MWG) was at 50 and 0% and did not follow a specific order of increase. Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Protein Intake (PI) were significantly higher (p<0.05) at 0 and 50% TSM inclusion. Percentage Survival Rate (% SR) was unrelated to the treatment diets. There were slight differences in the values of haematological parameters of the C. gariepinus at the different inclusions of TSM. Physicochemical variables in the experiment were within levels recommended for the culture of fresh water fish.
Olapade Olufemi Julius and Kargbo Mariatu, 2015. Effect of Terminalia catappa on Growth and Heamatology of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles. Journal of Aquaculture Feed Science and Nutrition, 7: 1-5.