GROWTH RESPONSE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLINGS TO SELECTED COMMERCIAL FEED

This study evaluated the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed with three commercial feeds: Coppen feed, Multifeed, and Vital feed over six weeks. The results showed that fish fed with Coppen feed attained the highest average weight (32.53 ± 3.62 g), followed by Multi feed (30.02 ± 3.44 g) and while Vital feed resulted in the lowest weight (23.14 ± 2.41 g). Although the mean weekly weight gains differed significantly among feeds (F = 0.6673, P = 0.03), there was no significant difference in weekly weight increase (F = 0.9097, P = 0.4237). Similarly, the final mean lengths were highest in Coppen-fed fish (17.11 ± 0.54 cm) and lowest in Vital-fed fish (14.13 ± 0.33 cm), with significant differences observed after six weeks (F = 0.9097, P = 0.004). The increase in mean length followed a similar trend, with the Coppen feed inducing the greatest growth (10.30 ± 0.14 cm). The specific growth rates were highest for Coppen (3.90 ± 0.0) and Multi feed (3.71 ± 0.0) compared to Vital feed (2.54 ± 0.0). The survival rates were 100% for the Coppen and Multifeed groups, but only 80% for the vital feed group. Proximate analysis revealed that the Coppen and Multi feeds contained higher crude protein (45%) and lipid contents, whereas the Vital feed had the highest crude fiber and moisture levels. Overall, Coppen and Multifeeds demonstrated superior growth performance and nutritional profiles, indicating their suitability for optimal production of C. gariepinus fingerlings