Utilization of some citrus peels and vitamin premix as additives in African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Diets

This study was to assess the effect of citrus peels mixture (Orange, Tangerine and Tangelo peels) and vitamin premix as additives in 50:50 percent ratio on the growth performance and utilization of Clarias gariepinus juveniles for a period of eight weeks (56 days). Citrus peels were air-dried for 5 days and mineral analysis was done. Seven different diets with 40% crude protein were formulated using Pearson Square formula. Citrus peels and vitamin premix mixtures in ratio 50:50 were added in minute quantities of 50 g (2.5%) in six different diets (ORG-TGR, ORG-TGL, ORG-VIT, TGL-TGR, TGL-VIT, TGR-VIT) and VIT as control in 100 percent ratio and extruded using a local extruding machine. A total of 210 Clarias gariepinus juvenile of average mean weight of 4.49 g were randomly distributed into 21 plastic tanks at 10 fish per tank in triplicate treatments and were fed twice daily. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean final weight, mean weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed with experimental diets. Fish fed diet TGL-TGR had the best final weight, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio. FCR ranged from 0.93 to 1.62. Fish fed TGL-VIT had significantly higher (p<0.05) survival rate. The results of this study show that inclusion level of TGL-TGR, TGL-VIT in the diet of African catfish enhances growth performance and feed utilization.