MORPHOMETRIC STUDIES OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (Burchell, 1822) FISH FED ON LARVAE OF MUSCA DOMESTICA (Linnaeus, 1758) ORGANICALLY RAISED FROM POULTRY WASTES

Abstract

The proportion of protein in fish diets is higher than other cultured animals and this makes feed very exorbitant. Studies have shown that African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, requires about 40% dietary crude protein. Maggot has a good nutritional value, high protein content and its inclusion in rearing of fish will enhance the avoidance of competition for human demand for fish population. The objectives of this study are to, determine effect of maggots of Musca domestica raised on poultry droppings on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus compare the nutritive value of maggots of Musca domestica to that of commercial fish feed, assess the feed efficiency of maggot meal fed to C. gariepinus, and compare the results of proximate analysis of maggot meal, fish feed and a combination of the two. The maggots were gotten from poultry droppings from a poultry farm in Oba-ile, Ondo State. Sixty (60) C. gariepinus juveniles of the same age (Eleven weeks) were purchased from a Fish Farm. The fish were divided into three groups with fish juveniles and each group was placed in plastic bowls, and the bowls are black in colour, round in shape and of 100litres sizes. The groups (treatment) were assigned to a dietary treatment. C. gariepinus juveniles were acclimated to experimental condition for seven days prior to the feeding trial. The fishes were starved for 24 hours to empty their guts and each group was weighed to know their initial weight and their length. The experimental diets were introduced to the fishes at varying levels. The growth response and nutrient utilization were computed and the weight gain, length increase, mortality were observed and recorded and all data recorded were subjected to statistical analysis. The fish showed good appetite in all the diet treatment as attested to by the increased weight and length. However, the highest weight increase was in diet 2, i.e the commercial feed meal. This study reveals the possibility of utilizing dried maggots in the diet of C. gariepinus Juveniles.