Comparative Studies on Zooplankton Production Using Organic Manure (Cow Dung) and Inorganic Fertilizer (N.P.K) in Ksusta Vicinity of Kebbi State

Comparative studies on zooplankton production using organic manure (cow dung) and synthetic fertilizer (N.P.K) was carried out in the department of forestry and Fisheries of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Kebbi State in September 2023 using standard methods and procedures. Three treatments consisting of organic manure, synthetic fertilizer and fertilizer-free water which served as a control treatment were placed on a Completely Randomized Experimental Design (CRED). Culture studies continued for a period of four weeks where sampling was carried out on a weekly bases. It was observed that zooplanktons with highest abundance in pond water cultured with cow dung were Metacyclops minutus (85.66ᵅ ± 24.56), followed by Culex restuans (40.00ᵅ± 4.35) and the least in abundance was Acris crepitans with (2.33ᵇ± 2.33). Zooplanktons with highest abundance in ponds water cultured with synthetic fertilizer (N.P.K) was Culex restuans (35.33ᵇ± 3.84), followed by Metacyclops minutus (23.33ᵇ± 7.42) and the least in abundance was Acris crepitans (1.66ᵇ± 1.66). Zooplanktons with highest abundance in ponds water cultured with fertilizer-free water was Culex restuans (30.33ᵇ± 2.78), followed by Metacyclops minutus (17.33ᵇ± 2.90) and the least in abundance was Platyias quadriconis (3.33ᵇ± 1.33). The results of the study indicated Metacyclops minutus, Culex restuans, as the most dominant zooplanktons during the study period. The least abundance zooplanktons in both the three cultured were Acris crepitans, Platyias quadriconis. In conclusion, comparison of zooplanktons produced from ponds cultured with organic manure (cow dung) and synthetic fertilizer (N.P.K) indicated that zooplanktons produced from cow dung are significantly higher than those produced from synthetic fertilizer (N.P.K). Organic manure (cow dung) is therefore recommended for use in zooplanktons production for fish farming to enhance productivity.